Council accused of ‘wasting money’ by not filling potholes correctly

Potholes on Walton Street before

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Rochdale Borough Council has been accused of ‘wasting taxpayers’ money’ – because they are cutting corners on filling potholes.

Former council employee, Gary Parkinson, who worked on the highways department for 10 years, said: “The council is wasting the £12 million on potholes as they are not filling them properly.

“When potholes are filled, you should make them square before putting in a liner for the tarmac to stick to. You then fill the pothole and apply a seal to prevent water getting in.

“However, the council is telling them to put the tarmac in and flatten it. The potholes on Walton Street in Heywood have been filled 10 times because of this.”

Local resident Kay Langford agreed, saying how her car was damaged by the potholes on Walton Street. She has complained to the council, and will be sending the local authority the bill for the repairs.

She added: “I have spoken to the men filling the potholes. They said they were not given enough money to do a proper job, there aren’t enough of them and not enough time to do a proper job.”

The Council did not respond to an invitation to comment.