Maintaining our roads is one of the most visible and vital services councils provide. While no road network is ever perfect, residents in Coalville and across Leicestershire can take pride in the fact that our Conservative led county council consistently delivers some of the best maintained roads in the region, despite being the lowest funded authority in England. Recent national figures reveal that Conservative councils are significantly more effective at fixing potholes and addressing road defects than their Labour counterparts, thanks to sound fiscal management and a focus on essential services.
As your County Councillor for Coalville, I’ve made road maintenance one of my top priorities. Residents frequently tell me how much they value safe and smooth roads, and I’ve worked tirelessly to ensure we deliver improvements in our area.
One example of this is Forest Road. After repeated complaints from residents about its poor state, I decided enough was enough. I metaphorically kidnapped the lead member for highways Cllr Ozzy O’Shea and took him on a bumpy ride along Forest Road to see the problem for himself. After that unforgettable journey, he agreed to prioritise its resurfacing. Today, Forest Road stands as a testament to the value of persistence and teamwork.
But the work doesn’t stop there. In addition to Forest Road, I’ve ensured that Ravenstone Cross Roads and Mantle Lane were resurfaced, addressing long standing concerns about safety and accessibility. Of course, there are still roads in need of attention, no network is ever entirely free of defects, but I am committed to addressing every report as quickly as possible. When residents report potholes or other issues, I personally chase them up to make sure repairs happen without delay, I have built up a fantastic relationship with our Highways inspectors, which helps as they are always more than willing to help me.
The success of our road maintenance programme is no accident. It’s the result of Conservative principles in action, spending taxpayers’ money wisely and focusing on the services that matter most. Leicestershire County Council, has welcomed new funding from the government to improve road infrastructure, ensuring we can address more repairs and upgrades. I will work hard to ensure that North West Leicestershire gets its fair share of this investment, so our local communities benefit from safer, smoother roads. Unlike Labour councils, which often let roads deteriorate due to poor financial management, you only have to take a trip into Nottingham to see (and feel) first hand, we make infrastructure a priority.
While there’s still work to do, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together so far. Your feedback and support drive these successes, and I’m committed to continuing the fight for better roads in North West Leicestershire. With your help, we’ll keep our highways safe, smooth, and an example for others to follow.
