🕳️🚗 Newport’s Pothole Problem: Taking Action! 🚗🕳️
Residents in Newport are shouting loud and clear about the city’s pothole woes, with complaints pouring in about the sprawling damage across our roads. Local campaigner Jake Enea snapped a picture of what might be the largest pothole ever spotted on Pillmawr Road, connecting Caerleon to Malpas, dubbing it “exceptionally dangerous.”
👥 Councillor Dimitri Batrouni has promised action, highlighting that Newport’s road conditions have become a talking point everywhere, from council meetings to social media. With the announcement of a new budget prioritising road repairs, there’s hope on the horizon. He emphasised the investment of £6.6 million this year to tackle the issue, the most spent in a decade!
🚧 Independent Councillor Mark Howells echoed concerns, noting that roads like Somerton Road, Cromwell Road, and Corporation Road are top priorities for repair due to their importance to schools, bus routes, and pedestrian crossings. Assurances were made that these concerns aren’t ignored, and the priority list considers all areas fairly.
🏛️ Responding to concerns about political bias affecting repair schedules, Batrouni reassured everyone that roadwork decisions are kept strictly depoliticised. Holding the council accountable, they are driven by practical needs over party lines.
🚜 Meanwhile, Bishton and Langstone’s Councillor William Routley described local lanes as “horrendous,” longing for more than just patchwork repairs. However, Councillor Rhian Howells pointed out that resurfacing and maintenance are well underway, assessing damage and continuing day-to-day repair efforts.
⚠️ Damaged street signs also sparked debate, highlighting a slow replacement pace. Yet, progress was noted with nearly half the backlog cleared and promises for further investigation into delays.
Newport, the efforts are in motion! Let’s keep the conversation going and push for the improvements our city deserves. 🌟