Havering Council claims it has fixed around four in five of the almost 1,700 potholes it has been asked to repair since last February.

Its highways maintenance team has received 1,673 pothole repair orders for potholes since February 2022 - of which 80% have been completed.

As a comparison, the number of potholes reported in the April 2021 to March 2022 council year was 1,584. 

A council spokesperson says teams have been carrying out routine inspections of all roads to identify defects and ensure that the streets remain safe.

Repairs for the remaining 20% are currently in progress too, she added.

The data was shared with the Recorder in response to claims by cyclists and pedestrians on social media that roads in the borough are pitted by potholes.  

Members on a dedicated Facebook group, Havering Holes - Pots and Pavements, regularly share pictures of the potholes they encounter. 

Romford Recorder: A post by Cllr David Taylor shared on the Havering Holes- Pots and Pavements Facebook group by the adminA post by Cllr David Taylor shared on the Havering Holes- Pots and Pavements Facebook group by the admin (Image: Cllr David Taylor)

In March, St Albans councillor Jane Keane monitored the roads in the ward for potholes and broken pavements.

She told the Recorder: “My post on potholes generated quite a bit of comment and highlighted some significant issues in the Romford, Gidea Park and Hornchurch Area, which I referred to Highways and/or the relevant ward members.

“This included significant potholes on Main Road in Romford, and Upper Brentwood Road – which I didn’t think ought to wait to be fixed because they pose a hazard to cyclists.”

Cllr Keane received messages from constituents about potholes in their neighbourhood. One cyclist, Dave Burell, wrote in an email to her: “There is a pothole in north street Romford that I did well to avoid recently. It’s the size of a dustbin lid and a good 3ins deep. It’s been there a long time apparently. Any cyclist who hits that would be in trouble.”

Conservative councillor David Taylor said potholes are causing "untold problems" across Havering and it is common to hear of residents who have had their car damaged.

He said: “I have recently reported potholes and a poor road surface along North Street. Residents' homes are being shaken by lorries and buses as they pass over the potholes, all day and night. It's unacceptable.”

The council spokesperson clarified that an increase in the number of potholes is seen in the winter months following snow and cold conditions. She stated: “All reports are assessed and any defect that meets the council’s repair criteria will be repaired.

“The council is committed to addressing residents' concerns and is investing £6m this financial year alone for road and pavement resurfacing, in addition to our normal repair budgets.”

In the spring budget presented this year by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, an extra £200 million was announced to fix potholes. However, none of the London boroughs are eligible for the fund.

Cabinet member for environment Cllr Barry Mugglestone told the Havering Daily: “The Government has said it is up to TfL to fix potholes across London. However, TfL have always clearly stated that they do not repair potholes across our streets, so as such we are left out.”

Havering Council has an online link where potholes can be reported. Visit www.havering.gov.uk/info/20026/roads/98/damaged_roads_and_pavements.