Action promised on huge Leigh pothole where ‘only option’ is to grit your teeth and shout ‘Jeeeeze’

There has been a months long dispute between the council and BT over the road damage in Leigh

Action has been promised on long-standing potholes which have been at the centre of a dispute over who’s responsible for fixing it.

The road surface around a metal utility cover on Twist Lane, close to Parsonage Way in Leigh has been deteriorating for months.

Councillors said ‘what began as a minor defect has now escalated into significant potholes’.

After more than four months of pressing by Wigan council BT, have now agreed to fix the surface. The damaged section of road has been jolting hundreds of vehicles every day since last year.

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Responding to local councillor Dane Anderton’s update on the matter, motorist Philip Yardley said: “During normal traffic it can’t be avoided.

“It’s one of those where you hit it and you grit your teeth after shouting ‘Jeeeze’.”

Earlier this month, after becoming exasperated at the lack of progress, Coun Anderton, on behalf of himself and other Leigh West councillors, wrote to the chief executive of BT.

The letter said: “The defect is positioned on a primary route serving both the town centre and a high-traffic retail park. Because of its location, motorists find it impossible to avoid.

“What began as a minor defect has now escalated into significant potholes surrounding the frame.

“By failing to act in December, BT has allowed the damage to spread to the surrounding road surface, which will now result in a far more costly and extensive reinstatement.

“Wigan Council is proud to have some of the highest-rated roads in the country, with maintenance standards consistently recognized by the government. “BT’s failure to maintain its assets is now causing a direct negative impact on the safety and quality of our local infrastructure.

“We urge you to override the current ‘non-urgent’ classification and prioritize a full repair of the cover and the surrounding highway damage your asset has caused.”

In the past few days Wigan council have updated councillors on the issue saying ‘BT has now accepted responsibility for the utility box and are planning the necessary repairs’.

The message added: “As soon as a date is confirmed, we will update you.”