Huge potholes making popular Aughton road a hazard

Jan 17 2013 by Joe Thomas, Ormskirk Advertiser

CAVERNOUS potholes have been causing problems to drivers on a popular country road for months.

Potholes several inches deep riddle Sandy Lane and Mickering Lane in Aughton, making driving unsafe and damaging cars according to the homeowners and commuters who use it.

Attempts to repair the road in recent months have failed to the fury of those whose journey is blighted by the scars to the road surface.

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The pothole problem began on Sandy Lane during the heavy rain last autumn, with the surface of the junction with Bold Lane damaged in particular.

Karen Bonnell, who lives on Mickering Lane, said homeowners had called the council on several occasions since the autumn, hoping the issue would be corrected.

Mrs Bonnell’s husband’s car was damaged while he was driving on the road and she said: “The drain is permanently blocked and even in dry weather continues to spew water, something has to be done. It is impossible to see the potholes if the road is flooded after rain. When you can see them they cover the surface. It is impossible to negotiate round them.”

Bill Dawson, principal engineer for highways at Lancashire County Council, insisted the issue would be dealt with.

He said: "We have had a lot of potholes reported to us over Christmas and the New Year following the bad weather.

"We are dealing with them on a priority basis, with those that are either dangerous or on the busiest roads being repaired first.

"We are planning an inspection on Sandy Lane and will take appropriate action to make sure the surface is safe."