Councillor on track to get every pothole filled in his Devon county ward
A Barnstaple councillor is campaigning to see potholes in his Devon County Council ward reduced to near zero
A Barnstaple councillor is on course to become the first ever to get every single pothole filled on the roads in his Devon County Council ward.
Syed Jusef, who represents Barnstaple North, has been on a mission for several months to get the holes fixed on all the roads within the area he represents.
Since January, more than 200 potholes have been filled and he hopes to see them all banished by the end of June at the latest, if not sooner.
He said: “Two weeks ago, I spent over two hours driving around the county division to inspect and report every pothole and damaged road I could find.
“I am hoping and expecting that by the end of this month or next month, the number of potholes across Barnstaple North will be close to zero.”
“People are asking for me to go to Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, Holsworthy, Bideford – they think I can solve it everywhere.”
The Liberal Democrat councillor has posted regular updates on his social media of before and after pothole pictures. He praised Devon County Council staff for their patience and said they appreciated seeing the social media updates, which made them feel valued and happy tpo help.
He added: “When I first posted on social media, some people were negative but now when I post, so many love it.
“It’s not just for my residents, it’s for everyone, visitors come through here as it’s a main route and motorcyclists are so pleased as they say nobody ever thinks of them.
“My division includes the hospital and almost everyone comes to the hospital point - Pilton Causeway has been completely resurfaced, it was so broken. Highways wanted to do patchwork and I challenged that and Alexandra Road has also been completely resurfaced since I called County Hall.
“I can’t do everywhere, I wish I could, but it’s outside my ward and sometimes residents don’t always understand this.”
Cllr Jusef said more roadworks and patching works were coming soon in Walton Way, Sowden Lane and Constitution Hill. He said Highways will also begin surface dressing works on several roads to help prevent further potholes in the future.
He said next month, surface dressing is expected to take place in Youings Drive, Westaway Heights, Mear Too Way and more roads in Barnstaple North.
He has also reported faded white lines and road markings, a number of which have now been reinstated.