A WOMAN of 101 was told to fill in potholes after locals complained about their road.
Residents in ten affected homes say the 21-hole lane is one of the worst in England.
SWNS101-year-old Sheila Nicholls has been told to fill in ‘bomb crater’ potholes by the council[/caption]
SWNSResidents in Watchet, Somerset, claim they live on ‘the most potholed road in England’[/caption]
Two people have gone to hospital after tripping in what they called “bomb craters”.
Locals in Watchet, Somerset, including centenarian Sheila Nicholls and husband Bill signed a petition in 2022 asking for the road to be resurfaced rather than holes fixed individually.
She described the situation as “awful” and “unsafe”.
But locals say they were told to fix the road themselves.
Neighbour Brian Pankhurst, 79, said: “It’s absurd. We’re all elderly and don’t have that money. How can you tell a 101-year-old to fill their potholes?”
The road leads to the West Somerset Mineral Line, an 11-mile stretch of disused Victorian railway now popular with walkers and cyclists.
Locals claim the council has blamed their cars — even though they have five in total.
Brian added: “They’re not taking into account the great big council dust and waste lorries and supermarket vans that come down here.
“We haven’t heard anything since October. The council say it’s our responsibility but if so, why was it tarmacked in the first place?”
Somerset Council said: “This lane is a public right of way, not a public road, which is used by residents to access their properties.
Responsibility for the upkeep is complex and there will need to be a shared approach to maintenance.
“’We do understand people’s concerns and are going to work with residents to come to a workable solution.”
SWNSElderly locals in Watchet say their road has 21 potholes[/caption]
SWNSThe pothole situation has been described as ‘awful’ and ‘unsafe’[/caption]