Research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has identified Bolton as the pothole capital of Greater Manchester, with Trafford second and Manchester third worst.
The not-for-profit business support organisation submitted Freedom of Information (FOI) requests at all 10 local authorities in the region to ascertain which had recorded the highest number of complaints from the public relating to crumbling highways in 2013/14.
Topping that list was Bolton, with a whopping 13,915 moans related to wonky roads in the borough. Trafford, with 3,888 complaints, was second worst, and Manchester third with 3,524. By comparison, Rochdale recorded the lowest number of complaints with just 200 in the same period.
The FSB conducted the research in response to a poll of its members which asked in which areas they would like to see more investment locally. In total, 37% of respondents chose ‘repairing the region’s roads’, ahead of ‘major transport infrastructure’ (31%), and ‘better apprenticeships’ (24%).
Simon Edmondson, Regional Chairman for the FSB in Manchester & North Cheshire said: “People in Bolton clearly aren’t happy with the roads, and with the extraordinary number of complaints the council there has received there can little doubt about it at the town hall either. Trafford, Manchester and Stockport also appear to have issues.
“There is a serious point to this research though, and that’s our members, who pay significant amounts in business rates, expect the local roads to be of sound repair. The research we’ve done with business owners suggests many feel they aren’t getting value for money and want councils to spend a bit more of their cash on making roads of an acceptable standard.
“Most businesses rely in some way on roads to do business, whether it’s for their staff to get in to work or customers to come and spend with them. Having to navigate a minefield of potholes which can damage cars and also be hazardous for pedestrians doesn’t help anyone.”
The FSB research also looked at how many claims for damage were made by motorists in the same 2013/14 period. Bolton also topped that list with 123 successful claims made, and costing the authority £38,000. Blackburn Road near Edgworth (pictured) had the highest number of complaints in terms of damaged road surface.
Tameside had the lowest number of successful claims in the same period at just two.
A Bolton council spokesman said: “Like other towns and cities across the country, our roads have deteriorated due to a reduction in government grants and consecutive cold winters. However, the number of complaints the council received about potholes in 2013-14 was not 13,195 and it was in fact significantly lower at 2,025. The figure of 13,195 actually relates to all types of road defects – not just potholes – and includes things like faded lines on roads, damaged signs and faulty lamps.
“We know that businesses and residents want more investment in the road network and when roads are deteriorating this does undoubtedly have an effect on the number of claims we get. We actually spent £6.65 million of capital funding in 2013-14 on repairing roads and we are continuing to invest in improving our roads under difficult financial circumstances.
They added that:
“We also regularly inspect the road network and people can report potholes on the website, via e-mail: streetcare@bolton.gov.uk or by calling us on 01204 336600.”
