Getting potholes fixed

Recent experience & discussions have suggested that the state of our roads remains near the top of our community’s concerns, made worse as post-lockdown road use increases. Epping Society is one of many groups who field reports of road surface problems. This is not just an inconvenience or discomfort, but is a major safety concern to drivers, cyclists and other road users. In the worst circumstance, it is a significant expense when damage happens.

The condition of nearly all local road surfaces is the responsibility of Essex County Council, funded by their share of our Council Tax; the exception being motorways which are down to Highways England.

Ideally, we are all aware of a recent wave of local road closures as ECC work on some of the worst areas; also, in February the Government released funding to repair “the equivalent of 10 million potholes”.

Here is some guidance if you have a pothole problem:

1 Report potholes to ECC, online to https://www.essex.gov.uk/roads-streets-and-transport. The website has an interactive map, which lets you track the progress of a problem. It also reveals just how bad this has been allowed to get!

2 Organisations (e.g. the RAC and Cycling UK) have systems to collate and report problems; similarly, there are many local Facebook groups.

3 If you believe there is an immediate risk to public safety, phone Essex on 0345 603 7631

4 Express your concerns to your local Councillors, ideally County Council; but Parish, Town and District Councillors can pass concerns forward.

5 If your car or bike are damaged, you can try to claim compensation – take photos (safely), get estimates or invoices, then start at https://www.essexhighways.org/roads-and-pavements/make-a-claim. It is quite a long process and is not always successful. It helps if the hole has already been reported; hence our item 1.

Don’t forget the newly refurbished tennis courts at Stonards Hill recreation ground, Epping. Free public play (minimal floodlight charge for evenings). Visit: ClubSpark to book your court. You must book in advance. Private coaching and children’s groups available.

David Watson Tennis. davidwatsontennis@hotmail.com