Residents unhappy to be told road won’t be repaired

A RESIDENT in Wargrave has criticised councillors after they “failed” to acknowledge a “botched” repair job despite being guided to several defects in the road outside his home.

Councillor Adrian Betteridge, executive for transport and highways at Wokingham Borough Council, met with homeowners in Watermans Way last week.

Philip Meadowcroft had called for a meeting after he had contacted the council more than 20 times following a “bog-standard” recoating job, which was carried out last summer.

Mr Meadowcroft had challenged the council for about 14 months on behalf of 12 residents over a section of road from the lead up to Thameside Marina and the end of the cul-de-sac.

He and a neighbour also met with Charvil councillor Katrin Harding and councillor Wayne Smith, who represents Wargrave.

Following the meeting, Cllr Betteridge said the surface dressing process had “achieved its objectives” and that the issues reviewed did not constitute defects.

But Mr Meadowcroft disputed this saying: “It’s absolutely not adequate. They held their position, even when I took them to what are glaring defects, in my opinion.

“There are pregnant potholes and they can get punished by vehicles going over the imperfections. The junction is very well worn. Although, on the day, because it was damp, it didn’t show up as much as when it’s bright and dry but they’ve got the photographs.

“They did agree that some sweeping was needed to get the excess out of the way but I felt that was a mild concession to make me pleased and smile.”

Residents also said that the unfinished work had led to weeds growing within the asphalt but that it was no longer considered a “highways matter”.

The borough council did not provide a response.