VILLAGERS up in arms over the state of their country roads are demanding action. Residents living in the Bishampton and Throckmorton area say the roads around the villages are in such a poor state of repair that they fear serious accidents will result if they are not properly resurfaced.

The chairman of Bishampton and Throckmorton Parish Council, Eric Carter, said: "It is apparent to all who live in the locality that over the last few years the deterioration has continued almost unabated.

Concerns have been expressed about safety for road users as car drivers dodge the holes, often at speed, and cyclists have to weave past them to avoid a fall. At night or after heavy rain the extent of the surface damage is difficult to judge and again cyclists are very much at risk."

Bishampton resident Mike Holden said: "The state of our country lanes is unacceptable. The lanes are marred by many potholes and uneven and broken-up surfaces and edges. In several cases, motor vehicles have been damaged by potholes. Even 'known' potholes are a safety hazard as drivers pull out to avoid them."

Mr Holden puts the erosion down to more HGVs using the lanes, and neglect over a long period.

He added: "We urgently need a proper maintenance plan drawn up for our lanes, and monitored regularly, preferably by someone on a bicycle.

"Unsatisfactory stretches of road need to be properly repaired with a hard-wearing and long-lasting surface."

The roads maintenance manager for South Worcestershire, Andy Broome, admitted that there was a huge backlog of maintenance work to be done in his area that would take years to clear.

He said: "It costs tens of thousands of pounds to resurface a road and there is only so many schemes we can afford each year so we have to be content to fill in the potholes just to keep the roads safe."

County councillor Liz Tucker said: "I have received many complaints from villagers, not only in Bishampton and Throckmorton but throughout my constituency.

"As a result I have arranged a meeting between representatives of the parish councils and the new manager of the highways partnership unit, Sally Everest, on May 19, so that people put their points of view, and understand the criteria for road surfacing and the funding issues."