Councillor slams roads network inspectors cut

A FALL in the number of people i nspecting Fife’s potholes is coming at the worst possible time, it has been claimed.

Councillor Linda Holt said she was shocked to discover the council is proposing to cut two network condition inspectors just when the condition of Fife’s roads has “never been worse”.

“I am getting constant complaints that certain roads i n my ward are approaching Third World status, and in the last two months my car has been in the garage three times due to damage caused by flooding, potholes and debris on roads in the East Neuk,” said Conservative councillor Ms Holt.

“It beggars belief that after years of salami-slicing the roads budget i n the hope that no one would notice, Fife Council is now proposing to ‘lose’ two more network condition inspectors whose primary job is to identify potholes for repair. With fewer people to identify defects, fewer defects will be recorded and on paper fewer defects will require repair, so the budget for them can also be cut.”

Derek Crowe, senior manager for roads and transportation services, said: “I understand the perception that our roads are deteriorating.

“However, the annual Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey shows that Fife’s road conditions have steadily improved since 2009.”

He added: “Like all services and council operations, we are having to make savings in roads and transportation, and this includes reducing staff numbers.

“In this case, we’re introducing new road inspection methods and a centralised system, which will make our work more consistent and efficient.”