Potholes in Frome continue to cause safety concerns among residents, with reports that the situation has not improved.
After more than 100 people contacted the Frome Times earlier this year, one resident has highlighted several areas still in need of urgent attention.
They pointed to a “dangerous cluster” of potholes at the junction between New Road and Wallbridge Road, saying traffic is being forced to slow almost to a stop to avoid damage.
“It feels really dangerous and is an accident waiting to happen,” the resident said. “I have encountered cars nearly going into the back of my vehicle because I am having to completely slow down to get across the road. I don’t know why we have to get to the point where people have safety concerns before the local authorities listen and take action.”
At the start of the year, Somerset councillor for Frome Cllr Adam Boyden described the issue as a “pothole epidemic”, while Somerset Council said it plans to spend more than £5 million over the next three years on roads, pavements and cycleways.
The resident said urgent action is still needed before a serious incident occurs.
“One main pothole at the New Road and Wallbridge Road junction was fixed when everyone started raising their concerns but the cluster around it was just left to grow. It needs sorting urgently before something happens,” they said.
Cyclists have also raised safety concerns, with the Frome Times reporting earlier this year that a child fractured their arm after hitting a pothole while cycling.
A spokesperson for Somerset Council said, “It is really important for people to report defects when they see them. Our online portal is quick and easy to use and images can be uploaded. This is the best way to alert us as it goes straight to the team who can assess and schedule a repair depending on the urgency.
“For very serious defects on major roads this could be 2-24 hours, while other repairs will be between 7-28 days or later if they are non-urgent.
“Please report road defects by visiting www.somerset.gov.uk and searching ‘report a problem on the road’.”
Pictured: Potholes at the junction between New Road and Wallbridge Road
