Paul Mellor, Councillor for Ditchling and Westmeston, has called on East Sussex County Council to scrap its “hapless” highways maintenance contract, saying it “isn’t fit for purpose”.
Roads in East Sussex are managed by East Sussex Highways, a partnership between the county council and Balfour Beatty.
Cllr Mellor’s criticism came after residents raised concerns to him about a persistent pothole on Beacon Road in Ditchling.
The pothole was first reported by local residents Clive and Jacqui Budd around ten years ago, Cllr Mellor said, prompting his derision of the council’s approach to road maintenance.
Cllr Mellor said: “Together with residents like Clive and Jacqui Budd, I am fed up to the back teeth repeatedly reporting potholes that don’t get fixed properly.
“As it stands the contractor is paid to fix only those potholes that are sufficiently large and are reported to them.
“We’ve all seen them fixing a hole but ignoring the slightly smaller one a foot away.
“Why? Because under their contract with East Sussex County Council, they’ll get paid yet again to fix the second one in a few weeks’ time when it gets a bit bigger.
“It’s a ludicrously short-term policy and a scandalous waste of money.”
Referring to the persistent pothole, Mrs Budd said: “I have lost count of the number of conversations we have had with various highways personnel and water company personnel over the years.
“Each time they turn up we explain that a quick fill will not begin to solve the problem.”
“We believe that the issue is an underground stream which needs diverting as water is continuously coming up through the road and breaking apart the road surface.
“Currently there are barriers and other debris strewn around the road and nothing further seems to be happening.”
Residents and councillors fear the situation could become dangerous, especially in winter. Cllr Mellor has warned the pothole could potentially cause a fatal accident in icy conditions.
East Sussex Highways said it is aware of the ongoing issue.
A spokesperson said: “We apologise for the inconvenience being caused to residents.
“Investigations are ongoing to identify the source of the water leak that is causing defects on the road surface, made more difficult due to the presence of tree roots.
“We have closed a section of one lane of Beacon Road to ensure the safety of road users during our investigations.
“It’s important that the water issue is fully resolved before any work is carried out on the surface to prevent recurring potholes.”
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