A LOCAL county councillor claims he was nearly hit by a car swerving to avoid a pothole near Bream.

Richard Leppington (UKIP, Blakeney and Bream) says the state of the B4231 Lydney to Coleford Road would give the impression we live in a ‘Third World country’.

He said: “I have been calling for this section of road to be resurfaced for the last couple of years. It is, after all, one of the busiest roads in the Forest. 

“I understand that money is tight but it is now becoming crucial. Aside from the damage to vehicles, I think it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured. It would not be so bad if potholes were repaired in a timely fashion. I notified our highways department about this road before Christmas. Somebody appeared and circled the worst ones in white paint. 

“A crew came out the other week and had a look at it and went. Then they came back the next day and fixed half of them. To date the job is still not complete.

“I am sick of my community being put at risk and public money being wasted as well. I have now escalated this to Councillor Vernon Smith, who is responsible for Gloucestershire Highways. I trust Vernon will sort this. We are not a Third World country, but the state of our roads sometimes gives that impression.”

Winter weather and mass rain has taken its toll on roads across the area with some motorists also reporting near misses on rural roads.

One motorist, who did not wish to be named, told the Review: “Driving from Soudley to Blakeney through the woods is very scary and a combination of potholes and vast surface water makes driving extra treacherous.”

Cllr Vernon Smith, Gloucestershire County Council’s Cabinet member for highways, said: “I’m aware of the concerns raised by Cllr Leppington – plans are in place to make patch repairs along the Trow Green to Coleford road, with more extensive resurfacing planned for the B4231 between Trow Green and Bream. This should be complete by the end of the summer.

“We regularly inspect the roads to make sure they’re safe. High priority issues are fixed within 24 hours and other damage within 28 days, which is in line with national standards. At this time of year the number of potholes can increase due to the impact of the winter weather so I encourage anyone wanting to report a pothole to do it online at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/reportit or by calling 08000 514514.”