I recently complained to Gloucester Highways regarding the condition of Pillowell Road in Whitecroft, including the section of the B4234 from the railway crossing to the Pin Factory. I have received the attached reply. Anyone who regularly uses Pillowell Road will be familiar with the dire condition of the surfaces on these roads.

 It appears that there are three categories of defect – those to be repaired within two days, those to be repaired within 28 days and those that are too minor to be fixed within the 'safety criteria'.

As I understand Mr Watkins' letter, I conclude that this road has a high number of minors defects. This means that immediate repairs are not carried out. However there are several which have car damaging potential.

To his credit, Mr Watkins has put this road forward for re-surfacing – but it appears by no means certain that this will be done in the near future.

– W. Wylde, Whitecroft.

'I refer to your letter received on January 18 concerning the condition of the B4234 and Pillowell Road.

'The section of carriageways identified in your letter are subject to monthly inspections and any defects that meet our safety criteria are marked for repair. The most serious defects are repaired within two working days with the less serious defects repaired within 28 days. ?However, both of the sections referred to in your letter also have a high number of minor defects that do not meet our safety criteria.

'As I am sure you will appreciate the last couple of winters have taken a toll on the surfacing of the roads throughout the county – consequently we have had to prioritise which sections of road are resurfaced and which ones are left, the main criteria being the volume of traffic and the number of defects that are recorded.

'I can appreciate the concerns raised in your letter and I have put the roads identified in your letter forward for resurfacing. However at the present time I am unable to confirm when this is likely to be carried out. In the meantime please be assured that I will endeavour to ensure that the road is monitored on a regular basis and any defects identified and marked for repair.

'I trust the above answers the query raised in your letter however please do not hesitate to contact me should you wish to discuss the bove in greater detail.' – Brian Watkins, stakeholder manager (west).