Worry over ‘infamous’ state of city’s roads

ONE OF the North of England’s most visited cities is becoming “infamous” for the state of its roads, with as many as a tenth of streets in some districts in desperate need of repairs.

Figures from York Council have revealed that the proportion of roads ranked as in the worst condition has increased in every part of the city since 2016.

The data has revealed that nearly 10 per cent of streets in the Strensall, Holgate, Heworth Without, Micklegate and Wheldrake wards, have been graded as structurally impaired – the worst condition.

The city attracts 6.9m visitors every year who spend £564m, but councillors have spoken of their mounting concerns that York is becoming notorious for the state of its roads network.

Coun Kallum Taylor, a member for Holgate, said: “I’m not surprised at all to see these figures. York’s now infamous for the state of its roads, and our worst ones are getting worse.”

A spokesman for the council said it is reviewing roads and methods of repair to make sure money for fixing streets is used as effectively as possible.

But Coun Paul Doughty, who represents the Strensall ward, added: “In some respects, it’s a good thing that roads in my ward are now recognised as amongst the worst in the city as there is now no excuse for the current administration not to put in the investment that is required.”

The assistant director for highways at the council, James Gilchrist, confirmed the authority is “working pro-actively” to identify road repairs and ensure finances are used as effectively as possible.

He added officers are categorising and reviewing the highways network, so that the maintenance plan can be enhanced and considered by the council’s executive in the New Year.

The condition of roads in the city will also be discussed at a meeting tomorrow.