Motorists left facing a hole lot of hazards (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Motorists left facing a hole lot of hazards

9:40am Saturday 6th February 2010 in

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THIS winter’s big freeze has left Hampshire County Council with a Herculean job in mending so many potholes around the county.

In Andover alone, several craters have been brought to the Andover Advertiser’s attention, with some of the worst being in Galahad Close, off King Arthur’s Way.

Local people say that the temporary repair put in place has been causing problems, even to pedestrians.

Galahad Close resident, 78-year-old George Beaufoy, told us what happened.

He said: “I was stood very close by when a vehicle travelled over the repair at too high a speed and a woman was showered with granite chips kicked up by the wheel.

“She cursed but wasn’t injured although some of the chippings are quite large and could easily injure someone.”

On examination some of the chippings were more than an inch in diameter and had been thrown a maximum of 10ft from the holes.

Traffic police are calling on drivers to take extra care while the council attends to the situation.

Sgt Andy Faulkner, from the roads policing unit at Whitchurch, said: “I would ask for the public’s forbearance on their part.

“All motorists should take appropriate care when negotiating these hazards. If they appear particularly dangerous, contact the police and we in turn will refer the matter for signing to the local council or highways for signing and repair.

“Motorcyclists should be especially careful at this time.”

Another resident of the estate has also contacted the Advertiser about the situation in Galahad Close and says that a vehicle has suffered damage as a result of the holes.

Hampshire County Council has been informed of the matter.

Local councillor Phil North, who has been working with county councillor Pam Mutton to get the holes filled, says that the county has given assurances that the holes will have a permanent patch within seven days.

The council has now repaired the holes at Old Winton Road and at the A343 Enham Arch roundabout following our enquiries.