Some Small Successes in Horsell

The little successes that make a difference are one of the nice parts of being a local councillor.

I'm pleased to be able to report success on getting two huge potholes on critical routes through Horsell filled in the last few weeks.

The huge pothole was on the
 narrow part of Church Hill

Church Hill

The first pothole appeared just after Christmas on Church Hill.  Locals will know this is a narrow two way road, constrained by a wall on one side.  The narrow lanes mean it is a bit hairy when you are driving and meet a bus coming the other way.  On a bike you hope any vehicle behind you will wait or that it will be clear coming the other way so they can overtake.

Imagine my horror when I saw a  pothole had opened up on the brow of the hill.  This was a danger to drivers who might damage their vehicle by driving into it or damage themselves or their vehicle when avoiding it.  It was also a big danger to anyone on 2 wheels, whether cycle or motorbike.

I reported the pothole at Surrey County Council's online reporting tool , highlighting its dangerous location.  I was pleased to see that at least some barriers were put around the hole - but no lights.  Thankfully within a couple of days the pothole was filled.

A very deep pothole on Brewery Road

Brewery Road

The second pothole appeared a few weeks later, one Friday afternoon, on Brewery Road.  It was actually two potholes, but one was much deeper than the other.  This hole was slightly off the natural driving line, but due to continued, unresolved flooding on this part of the road, was just where most would drive or cycle to avoid a huge puddle.  Initially this pothole was not very deep but looked as though it would quickly worsen.

Pothole filled but how long will it last?

I rang Surrey County Council to report the pothole and stressed this busy route needed warning cones to prevent damage.  Surrey obviously didn't feel the hole was deep enough to warrant this safety measure and next day the pothole was much more severe.

Thankfully the main and subsidiary pothole were filled withing a few days.  The road still dips at this point so I don't know how long the fix will last but the road is safe for the moment.