A resident in Nicholls Lane has turned to the power of poetry to get the county council to improve the state of their road.
Mark Willows moved to Nicholls Lane 12 months ago but says other residents have been trying to get the problems fixed since 2012.
He’s now written a poem, which he’s sent to council staff, to “give them a nudge – and a bit of a laugh!”.
[box type=”shadow” ]Mark said: ” The road is generally in bad condition with lots of potholes. A particular concern is the surface at the bottom of the lane – the surface here is very poor and gravel gets washed into in the potholes which a causes wheel-spin and makes pulling out onto the busy A520 difficult in the winter. And there is frequent flooding in the winter months, both at the bottom and the middle of the lane. I have had to help a motorist who became completely stuck when he pulled over to let a lorry through the flooded part. His wheels had sunk into the mire at the side of the road and it took about half an hour to get him out.”[/box]
[box type=”shadow” ]Mark added: “Council staff have always been unfailingly polite, but the communication is often very confusing and much of the time seems to be spent on recording the issue rather than actually taking any action. For some time we were confused with a Nicholls Lane in Tamworth and we have also been told several times that the work is about to start only to find that nothing happens. Back in July I raised a formal complaint about this and after a somewhat lengthy process was told that work on the potholes would start within two weeks. That was on the 26th August but sadly (despite yet more emails) nothing has happened.
“Having exhausted the traditional route I’ve decided to try a more lighthearted approach. My hope is that this might give council staff a nudge – and a bit of a laugh at the same time.”[/box]
Mark Deaville, Cabinet Support Member for Highways and Transport at Staffordshire County Council, said: “We know that potholes are a concern to people and our highways teams make every effort to repair them as soon as possible. We do have a huge road network here in Staffordshire, with around 6,000km of roads and have to prioritise repairs on the roads that present a risk to the travelling public.
“The lane is due to be resurfaced next year and in the meantime highways teams will continue to monitor the location to keep the roads safe. Anyone with concerns about potholes can report them at www.staffordshire.gov.uk or by calling 0300 111 8000.”
Here’s Mark’s Christmas-themed poem in full…
Santa and the Nicholls Lane Potholes
The sky was clear, the stars were bright
and Santa was working late that night.
Making his lists and checking them twice,
this Christmas was going to be ever so nice.
He called on his elves to give their account
“Let’s just make sure that no one’s left out.”
“Europe looks good and we’ve covered Bulgaria
but I’d like to just check the Staffordshire area,
Stone is OK but Oh, what a shame;
Why have we left out Nicholls Lane?”
The elves were embarrassed and shuffled their feet;
Some of them turned as white as a sheet.
Then one spoke up despite the tension
“If you go down there you’ll break your suspension!
Not only that, the road floods too
Don’t take the sleigh there you’ll never get through.”
Santa looked glum and he pulled on his beard
“Oh dear, Oh dear, it’s just as I feared.
But wait, the Council will put it right
I know they can; I’ve read their website!”
A young elf stepped forward and scratched on his pimple
“I’m sorry Santa but it’s not that simple.
There have been many requests to that fine authority
But all we hear is that it’s not a priority.
The Council answer with Ifs and Buts,
They’re all very busy and they’ve had budget cuts”.
“Fear not” said Santa “be of good cheer
Let’s not forget the time of year.
I know that the Council are brave and good;
Maybe it’s just that they’ve misunderstood.
And the Highways Department are full of action
Perhaps if I ask then we’ll get satisfaction.”
And so dear Council hear Santa’s plea
He hates to let people down you see
“Please fix Nicholls Lane and make it like new”
It will make us so happy if you do.
