POTHOLES are an ever increasing problem across Essex – and it is no more prominent than in Dunmow, according to a town councillor. Following the recent bout of extreme weather the county s roads have suffered at the hands of the elements, with pot holes s

POTHOLES are an ever increasing problem across Essex - and it is no more prominent than in Dunmow, according to a town councillor.

Following the recent bout of extreme weather the county's roads have suffered at the hands of the elements, with pot holes seemingly springing up over night.

Dunmow town councillor, John Davey, believes the roads around the town are a particular concern.

He said: "The potholes are cropping up everywhere and the roads surrounding Dunmow being a real problem.

"But we are on the case. Our deputy mayor [Cllr Wendy Barron] will be attending a highways meeting and intends to make a point of the roads in the area.

"The problem is that large authorities have cut their budgets and when the extraordinary happens, they cannot fix them quickly. We've had awful weather but these holes need to be fixed."

One motorist from Great Waltham told the Broadcast about out one particular incident - on the B184 near Great Easton - which left her, and a number of other motorists, stranded by the roadside.

Clare Lyne said: "I was driving along when I hit a pothole - it came out of nowhere.

"I thought I had punctured a tyre but when the AA man arrived I had damaged two wheels, which needed replacing. By the time I left there were four other cars that had all been damaged by the same pothole.

"I was without a car for most of the week as I needed two new wheels, it's a real inconvenience. That location has had potholes previously; it must be a known problem."

Essex County Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, Cllr Norman Hume, said that resources are allocated to deal with issues caused by the recent adverse weather conditions.

"We have received hundreds of reports from residents about potholes caused by recent heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures," he said.

"Essex has one of the best highways networks in the country and we want to maintain that. Our teams of engineers are working across the county to carry out as many repairs as possible, in order to keep our roads in the condition that our residents expect and deserve."

IF you have spotted a pothole that needs fixing simply click on the live Pothole Watch feed on our home page. Leave us details of your pothole sighting and we will make sure the relevant authorities are informed.