Bexley Pothole Dispute Escalates to Parliament
The ongoing dispute over pothole repairs in Bexley has reached the UK Parliament, drawing significant attention. Local MP Mr. Francis raised the issue during a House of Commons session, criticizing the response from the Conservative-led council regarding the condition of roads.
Bexley Pothole Dispute in Parliament
Mr. Francis highlighted a troubling letter from a Conservative council cabinet member. The official reportedly asked local media outlet News Shopper to halt reports on potholes, claiming such coverage created additional work for the council.
Call for Action
During the parliamentary debate, Mr. Francis urged the Prime Minister to push the Bexley council to utilize available funding for road repairs. He specifically mentioned Mayplace Road East, emphasizing its unsafe condition for drivers.
Prime Minister’s Response
The Prime Minister responded firmly to Mr. Francis’s concerns. He characterized the council’s request as “outrageous,” reflecting the broader issues faced over the past 14 years regarding road maintenance.
He acknowledged that potholes are not only a safety threat but also financially burdensome for drivers. To address these issues, the Prime Minister noted that the government has allocated record investment aimed at maintaining roads—specifically, a total of £1.6 billion to local councils for this purpose.
Councils Under Pressure
According to the Prime Minister, these funds come with stipulations. He urged councils to act decisively: “Use the money, fix the roads, and demonstrate the repairs being made, or risk losing the funding.” This conveys a clear message about the responsibilities councils have in tackling road maintenance.
Next Steps for Bexley Council
- The council is expected to prioritize pothole repairs.
- There will be follow-ups from the Roads Minister on compliance with funding usage.
- Local residents continue to advocate for improvements on Mayplace Road East and other affected areas.
The situation remains dynamic, and many in Bexley hope for swift action to enhance road safety in their community.
