Driving us crazy
A Newmains councillor has described the number of potholes in the village as a “ridiculous mess”.
Councillor Robert McKendrick is calling on more to be done by the local authority following a number of complaints from constituents both in Newmains and across the Murdostoun ward.
The long-serving elected member, who sits as an independent, highlighted Eastwood Drive in Newmains as just one example of a street littered with potholes.
He said: “I have checked more than a few locations on roads that have dangerous potholes.
“North Lanarkshire Council and contractors have been informed and they have lots of potholing works to get through.
“NLC has arranged for a Hotbox to come in midweek to try to take care of the backlog.
“Sadly though, yet again too little too late, far too late as our road network speeds into a shocking, disgraceful state of repair.
“It’s a ridiculous mess and is simply not good enough.”
Last year, residents in nearby Coltness told the Wishaw Press that they “had enough” of driving on crumbling roads.
Potholes became a major problem on Earlston Street and Buchan Street, angering many motorists who feel their cars are being damaged.
Councillor McKendrick added: “The potholes have been there for a long time. I have been getting complaints from a number of residents who have told me that their cars have been damaged by it.
“It’s not just in Newmains but all over the Murdostoun ward in places like Coltness and Cleland.
“I put a post up on social media and there were a lot of responses.”
A council spokesperson insisted the local authority was working hard to address the issue.
“Since the end of December we have experienced significantly low road surface temperatures, which have gone down as low as minus 12,” said the spokesperson.
“This, coupled with periods of significant snow fall, has had an adverse effect on the road condition. We continue to undertake our programme of planned safety inspections, despite the Covid restrictions, and any defects that pose a significant risk are attended by our partners Amey.
“We recognise the quick deterioration of the road network and have engaged additional resources to address any safety concerns. We expect this to commence next week.
“We also encourage the public to report road defects through our contact centre to allow us to target resources at those areas that are showing the greatest deterioration.”