22 October 2024
Whitebarns Lane residents told by Hertfordshire County Council to pay for repairs themselves.
MP for North East Hertfordshire calls on council to “be realistic” and urgently fix road in “appalling state”.
RESIDENTS of Whitebarns Lane, in Furneux Pelham, many of whom live in social housing, were left dismayed after Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) told them that urgent repairs to a single-track lane would have to be paid out of their own pockets.
The lane, which is the sole access route for residents, has become dangerously worn, with several potholes spanning more than a meter wide and over 5cm deep causing misery for locals, many of whom have mobility challenges.
Loose stone chippings are currently used to fill the potholes, though locals have highlighted that these create a different hazard as they are slippery and quickly dispersed in rain, requiring frequent replacement.
Due to its narrow width, HCC’s highways department claims it is not technically a road and therefore does not fall under its road maintenance remit. It has offered to contribute 10% towards the costs of a road-standard repair, which is expected to be over £10,000.
Whitebarns Lane resident Sarah Wright said: "Residents have already been injured – one seriously. It is unique that a social housing project has been left without a proper connection to the main highway. Hertfordshire County Council’s inadequate repairs are costing the taxpayer more in the long run and continue to put residents at risk."
Chris Hinchliff, Member of Parliament for North East Hertfordshire, said: “This is a rural community that’s been let down and left behind. The road’s appalling state is causing issues for young children walking to school, and elderly residents trying to reach the bus stop, not to mention access for emergency services and damage to local’s vehicles.
“I strongly urge Hertfordshire County Council to be realistic, do the right thing, and quickly repair this dangerous road. It must not shirk responsibility on a technicality.”