Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) has drawn criticism for its repair of more than 51 potholes along a single stretch of Aberdeen Avenue in Cambridge. The repairs, described as 'patchwork' and a 'hodgepodge,' involved filling individual crevices at the junction with Brooklands Avenue.
Critics have argued that larger, more durable repairs were needed, noting that many of the individual patches overlap. Former councillor Dr. Jocelynne Scutt suggested that the work could have been completed as a single, larger repair, and decried the practice as potentially "money-grubbing."
A CCC spokesman stated that the potholes developed over time and were repaired as they appeared, following safety inspections and public reports. The council maintains that repairing individual potholes is often the most cost-effective method for emerging defects. The cost of each repair can vary based on factors like location, labor time, and traffic management needs.
The council is transitioning to a fixed-cost model under its term service contract extension. While a full resurfacing of the area might be desirable, it is more expensive. With limited funding, resurfacing projects are prioritized across the county based on need.
CCC has recently allocated an additional £5 million for its winter readiness program, aimed at identifying and prioritizing areas requiring more extensive repairs and surface treatments. However, the council acknowledged that demand for repairs consistently exceeds available funding, necessitating a focus on the highest priority locations.