What has happened to pride in one’s work?

I FEEL it is time that someone brought attention to the state of the roads, and road signs. I have written about this before, but it’s still just as bad, nothing has been done, and if it has then only partly. I had reason to drive from Kingsbridge to Totnes on Wednesday, and I have never seen so many pot holes, some two to three inches deep... and some road signs were leaning over, and dirty.

It is not only the main roads that are affected but all of the side roads as well, as the upkeep of all these roads are the responsibility of Devon County Council highways.

This state of affairs should be rectified as soon as possible, before someone comes to harm, including cyclists or any other person using these roads. All these councils are very good at collecting our taxes, but very slow to actually do something about the state of the roads.

I would like to know where all this money allocated to councils is going, perhaps someone could enlighten me on this, as it is certainly not being spent on the roads. I intend to take this matter up with my MP, so that he can take it up in parliament with the minister responsible for transport, and request an answer as to where all these millions of pounds in car tax are being spent, and how much of it is being allocated to local councils for road upkeep.

It would be funny if it was not so serious. For example, I saw two pot holes side by side, one filled and one left unfilled... even when this is done it is just a Fred Karno’s Army job, not properly done. In wet weather the rain just penetrates and lifts the tarmac up. It is a false economy.

When I was a lad, people used to take pride in their work, but those days have gone. I fear for my grandchildren and for future generations and I am glad I will not be around to see it. God help them because they will certainly need it.

Brian Saunders Kingsbridge