An Oldham councillor has claimed to have found more than 100 potholes in Royton in just 14 days.

Royton North Councillor, Lewis Quigg, said he is "shocked" by the state of the roads in the borough and has called on the Council to do more to regularly maintain them.

The Conservative councillor said council tax has increased by 38 per cent for Oldhamers since 2010 and is on the cards to increase again.

However, he said despite the increase, "sadly the roads don't seem to be seeing the benefits of such high taxes".                               

The councillor suggested the council is ensnared in a vicious and expensive circle of damage and repairs as poor maintenance of the roads and lack of investment in drainage means repairs are "not lasting as long as they could."

Bad weather, such as snow, frost and wear and tear, also contributes towards creating a pothole.

Cllr Quigg continued: "The fact I have reported 100 potholes in 14 days shows that resident's concerns are not being addressed and that the Council is prioritising all the wrong things.

"Whilst it is all well and good spending millions of pounds on Oldham town centre, places like Royton are seeing the basics being neglected."

Mr Quigg said it is the Council's responsibility to maintain the roads and added: "I have only been a Councillor for nine months and I am shocked at how bad the state of the roads really are.”

He also said Oldham Council used to have three vehicles that could clear gullies and grids but now has just the one working vehicle for the whole borough.

Councillor Dave Arnott added: “Last year I reported that Lime Grove was one of the worst roads in Royton, which shamed the Council to act after years of neglect and to totally resurface the road.

"This year it gives me no pleasure to announce that Thornham Old Road is now in a similar state of disrepair.

"Residents have highlighted multiple potholes, crumbling of the road surface, poorly completed repairs, and serious concerns about damage to their cars, simply getting to and leaving their homes.

"Residents in Royton pay some of the highest council tax rates in the country and they deserve a lot better than this.”

An Oldham Council spokesperson said: “Improving the condition of our roads has always been a priority for Oldham Council as we know residents feel strongly about them.

"Any councillor will tell you it is one of the biggest issues residents raise. And rightly so because they play a big part in our lives.

“Winter weather always has had an impact on our network, but that is the same for council’s across the country.

“Maintaining more than 850km of road isn’t easy, especially when funding has been cut severely over the last decade, but the council has taken a proactive approach to looking after our roads rather than waiting for them to deteriorate.

“The majority of our roads are already in a ‘good condition’ thanks to the additional £12m the council has invested in them since 2019.

“We are making sure our highways network continues to be fit for purpose so people can get to work, training or leisure opportunities, whether they are walking, using public transport, cycling or driving.

“We always encourage people to report potholes and defects to us so they can be inspected and, if necessary, repaired as soon as possible.”