Following the publication of a new national assessment of road maintenance, Staffordshire County Council has been given an amber rating for the condition of its roads. For residents across Newcastle-under-Lyme who regularly use local roads, this rating will not come as a surprise.

I continue to hear from constituents about the poor state of our roads, and it is clear that potholes remain a serious and ongoing problem. Too many of our roads are blighted by uneven surfaces – damaging vehicles and creating real safety risks for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.

That is why I am launching my Great Potholes Survey 2026. I want to hear directly from you about how the condition of our roads is affecting you, and where the worst potholes and problem areas are in your neighbourhood.

Your feedback will help me hold Staffordshire County Council to account, press for better use of the significant funding now available, and ensure attention is focused on the roads that matter most to local people.

Together, we can push for real improvements and make sure our roads are safer, smoother and fit for purpose for everyone.