October 29th 2024.
Whitebarns Lane, a small lane in the village of Furneux Pelham, Hertfordshire, has been a source of frustration for its residents for the past 60 years. The lane, which connects the village's main road to a cul-de-sac, has become a hot topic in the community due to its 32 potholes. These potholes have caused numerous accidents and injuries, leading the villagers to demand action from their local council.
However, their demands have fallen on deaf ears as the council has stated that the lane is not classified as a road and therefore cannot be repaired at public expense. This has left the residents feeling helpless, as they are unable to fix the potholes themselves due to the hefty cost involved. The latest quote from the council in 2016 was £73,000, and with inflation, the cost is estimated to reach £100,000 by 2024. This has caused a great deal of frustration and anger among the residents, who feel that the council should take responsibility for the repairs.
Sarah Wright, a resident of the village, has expressed her concerns about the potholes, describing them as "dangerous." She also mentioned that the issue has been ongoing for 60 years, and the residents are at their wits' end. They are now refusing to pay the hefty sum demanded by the council, as they believe it is the council's responsibility to fix the potholes.
The situation has become even more dire for some of the residents, such as 79-year-old Douglas Debnam, who suffers from macular degeneration and is severely impaired. He has to be extra careful when walking on the lane, as the potholes pose a great risk for him. Some residents have even stopped driving on the lane altogether due to the hazardous conditions caused by the potholes.
The frustration and anger among the residents are not without reason. The lane is the only access point for a mix of social and privately owned houses, and the potholes are causing a great deal of inconvenience for the residents. The council, however, has stated that they are willing to adopt the lane as a public road if the landowner or the residents are able to bring it up to an acceptable standard. They have also offered to contribute towards the cost of the necessary works.
In the meantime, the council will continue to maintain Whitebarns Lane as a public footpath. However, this solution is not satisfactory for the residents, who feel that immediate action needs to be taken to fix the potholes. They hope that the council will reconsider their stance and take responsibility for the repairs, as the safety and well-being of the villagers should be their top priority.
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