Dear Editor,
I am sick of the deplorable state of the roads in Cheshire East and I know many taxpayers feel the same.
Under the leadership of the Labour-led Cheshire East Council, council tax has been raised by the legal limit, burdening homeowners with a hefty sum of £1,792.59 for a typical Band D property. Despite this massive increase in income, essential services suffer. Parking charges will soar, tips face closure, and the menace of potholes persists unchecked.
My daily commute through Sandbach towards the M6 feels akin to navigating through a battlefield. The sorry state of our roads not only endangers drivers but also reflects poorly on the Labour-led council's commitment to public safety and vital infrastructure maintenance.
The excuses offered by the Labour-led council fail to pacify the growing discontent among residents. Contrastingly, under the Conservative administration in 2018/19, proactive measures were taken to address pothole issues. The introduction of a new supplier by the Conservatives in their final year of office has resulted in a commendable 21% reduction in average repair costs, from £131.53 to £103.96 per pothole by 2022/23.
This year, the Council has received a significant budget allocation of £1.66 million for road maintenance. However, despite such resources and the clear expectations outlined in Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980, the Labour-led Council's performance in fulfilling its legal duties remain questionable.
We are a county of drivers and driving is the top mode of transport, but substandard road conditions frustrate our daily commutes, can result in hefty repair bills and can put us at risk of harm.
It is imperative for the Labour-led Cheshire East Council to prioritise road repairs and uphold their obligation to maintain a safe and efficient highways network. As taxpayers, we demand accountability and swift action. Driving on Cheshire East's roads should not resemble a test of survival; it's high time the council heeds our concerns and delivers tangible improvements.
So, let’s stop driving on what’s left and start demanding what’s right from the council.
Sincerely,
Sean Houlston
Deputy Chairman, Congleton Conservatives
