A motion calling for action on potholes and road maintenance has been approved by Test Valley Borough Council after a lengthy debate and a series of amendments.
Councillors met at a full council meeting on Thursday, February 26, where members agreed to press for answers over the state of roads across the borough and the funding behind their upkeep.
The motion, put forward by North Baddesley councillor Geoff Cooper, focused on holding Hampshire County Council to account over highways maintenance and ensuring residents’ concerns are addressed.
Cllr Cooper told the meeting that safe roads and responsible use of public money were basic expectations. He said borough councillors had a duty to speak up for residents and challenge higher authorities where necessary. He also called for clarity over the £132m of government funding allocated for highways, questioning how it had been used, why repairs had declined, and what steps were being taken to improve the situation.
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However, the motion was amended during the meeting after Cllr Kirsty North highlighted wider funding pressures. She pointed to the £8.45m allocated to Hampshire through the government’s Network North programme, which was intended to be spread over a decade but has since been affected by policy changes following a change in government.
Cllr North said road maintenance was a national issue and argued that any response should reflect the broader funding picture. Her amendment also referenced concerns about the loss of Network North funding and the lack of new money reaching councils.
Following a short adjournment, Cllr Cooper agreed to incorporate the changes.
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The revised motion commits the council to writing to Hampshire County Council to raise concerns about a reported drop in recorded highways defects and to request that future highways maintenance plans are shared with borough councillors. It also includes plans to write to both the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Chancellor, calling for increased funding for road repairs.
During the debate, some councillors expressed concern that the amended motion placed too much emphasis on national factors. Cllr Neil Gwynne and Cllr Sally Yalden both argued that local accountability should remain central to the issue.
Members also stressed that residents play a role by reporting potholes, which helps councils identify and prioritise repairs.
Responding to the discussion, county council leader Cllr Adams-King said there was already a clear system in place for dealing with highways issues, adding that councillors should work closely with their county counterparts to resolve problems.
The motion was ultimately carried with 31 votes in favour and one abstention.
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