Green pothole rating for Middlesbrough but concerns raised

Conservative Councillor David Coupe showed the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) around part of his Stainton & Thornton ward to see potholes galore, just as the town has been positively recognised by a new national system measuring how councils look after their roads.

The Department for Transport has graded local highway authorities across England, awarding them green, amber or red ratings based on the condition of their roads and how effectively they are judged to be spending a record national funding pot.

In spite of his frustration, Cllr Coupe did praise the council and described it as “proactive” when discussing potholes, but he spoke about the state of the roads being the problem.

Cllr David Coupe’s foot as a measurement reference for one of the worst potholes on Strait Lane. Credit: Daniel Hodgson. Free for LDRS use.

While in Stainton, Cllr Coupe said there must be 50 potholes on Strait Lane, which is a road that passes through the centre of the village.

One of the potholes was approximately a metre in length and about a foot wide, with a noticeable depth, all visible thanks to the reference measurement of Cllr Coupe’s foot.

Middlesbrough was one of only 16 areas across the country to receive a green rating, out of 154 local highway authorities.

More than 90% of work carried out in Middlesbrough is preventative, and the rating recognises the council’s aim to fix problems early. Over the past year, the equivalent of 12 miles of roads have been resurfaced and a borough-wide pothole patching programme has been delivered.

While examining the dastardly potholes lining Strait Lane, a resident of the village, Badrakumar, stopped to chat, pointing out the issues of the current pothole situation, which sees drivers crossing onto the opposite side of the road to avoid potholes. Strait Lane is to be resurfaced shortly, the plan is this spring, Cllr Coupe explained.

Cllr Coupe showed the LDRS another one of the roads in his patch – Priory Drive – where he said that he had been trying for seven years to get it resurfaced, which is now set to be completed this spring. He said: “It was going to be done last October. They are using micro-tarmac, so it has to be done in warm weather.” To him, Priory Drive is an example of pothole repairs being done, but ruining the road in the long run. 

Cllr Coupe said that the council had previously conducted a test which Priory Drive had “just” passed, and when the council did other roads in the estate, they didn’t resurface Priory. He said the original accompanying pavement is set to be re-done in the following financial year (2026/27), saying he thought it was about 60 years old. He pointed out pavement trip hazards, which had caused people to fall – one such hazard had been repaired, after he complained twice.

Pointing to the gaps in the pavement, resident Hazel Taylor, 72, who had a fall last year, said: “Good job I don’t wear high heels.” She explained she’d be getting a dog shortly, meaning more walking and she would be putting a claim in if she falls over again, adding: “This has been like this forever.” 

Mayor Chris Cooke (right) filling a pothole and Cllr Peter Gavigan (centre) watching on in North Ormesby. Credit: Middlesbrough Council. Free for LDRS use.

Discussing Middlesbrough’s green rating, Labour Mayor Chris Cooke said: “There’s always going to be wear and tear on busy roads, but I understand why people in Middlesbrough get so frustrated and annoyed by potholes. That’s why we have developed a strategy which focuses on spotting issues early and trying to maintain roads rather than wait for them to fail.

“This new system is a great way for residents to keep an eye on how we’re doing, and I’m delighted that the hard work of our dedicated staff has been acknowledged with a green rating.”

On National Pothole Day (Thursday, January 15), Mayor Cooke and Councillor Peter Gavigan, executive member for environment and sustainability, joined staff from the council’s highways team as they worked to fill potholes in North Ormesby.

Cllr Gavigan said: “This is the kind of good work we’re completing week in, week out, right across Middlesbrough. No road network will ever be perfect, but we are now focused on using better materials and smarter maintenance to stop those small faults becoming big, expensive repairs.”