Potholes: Action at Last on Lower Milehouse Lane

One of the most persistent and serious issues raised with me since I became the Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme has been the poor state of our local roads. From vehicle damage to pedestrian hazards, constituents have made it clear that deteriorating road surfaces are causing real problems across the borough.

To better capture the scale and specific locations of concern, I launched the

Great Potholes Survey earlier this year. I wanted to hear directly from residents about the worst-affected areas. The response was detailed and passionate, underlining just how widespread and frustrating the issue has become.

Using the feedback gathered through the survey, I wrote to Staffordshire County Council to highlight the roads most frequently reported by constituents. Among the top concerns were:

• Lower Milehouse Lane

• The Sunken Roundabout

• Loomer Road Roundabout in Chesterton

I'm pleased to share that the Council has now confirmed that work should be starting today on Lower Milehouse Lane. The planned improvements include resurfacing and drainage repairs – a necessary step toward making this busy route safer and more reliable for all.

While this is a welcome development, it’s just one part of the picture. Far too many roads across Newcastle-under-Lyme continue to suffer from years of inadequate maintenance.

The patchwork approach we've seen is not sustainable. Residents are right to expect proper, long-term investment in our local infrastructure. I will keep pressing for lasting repairs, not short-term fixes, and for a plan that treats road safety as the serious public issue it is.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to take part in the survey. Your voices have made a difference – and I’ll keep working to ensure they continue to be heard.