Estate demands road revamp

HUNDREDS of people living on a Weston housing estate have signed a petition calling for a massive overhaul of its crumbling road network.Residents say the condition of the roads on the Bournville estate are dangerous and are causing damage to vehicles which have to negotiate the potholes and dips every day.John Ludwell, of Shelley Road, has lived on the estate for 60 years and says he cannot remember the last time all the roads were given a complete overhaul.The 74-year-old was so concerned about the state of the roads he called on his neighbours to sign a petition to hand to North Somerset Council, calling for action.He collected nearly 300 signatures and another petition has also been submitted to the authority.He believes newer estates such as Weston Village and the town centre get preferential treatment over older areas such as the Bournville.Mr Ludwell said: "In particular, the surface of the roads around Windwhistle Circus is coming away, which I feel is a hazard."I feel that deep-seated work is appropriate rather than just adding a top surface, as this has a tendency to come away due to heavy usage from vehicles such as buses."Because I was so concerned, I decided to start a petition as a measure of local support."There are 15 pages and I think this demonstrates the strength of feeling in the area."A North Somerset Council spokesman said: "All adopted roads are inspected on a regular basis. Since potholes and other defects can start appearing at any time we rely on letters or calls from the public and each concern is always inspected."Nationally recognised guidance helps us to decide which defects should be attended to immediately and which can be monitored. This process enables us to maintain the highway in a safe condition."For this year, maintenance work on the Bournville is planned for Selworthy Road, near to the school.