THERE have been a number of stories and letters concerning potholes and the poor state of the roads in and around Crediton, particularly after the recent closure of part of the A377 at Barnstaple Cross and heavy traffic using Higher Road and George Hill.

Local resident, George Davey recently called for action to be taken by Devon County council to repair potholes at Tedburn St Mary which he considered to be shocking and dangerous. These were repaired but the repairs did not last more than a few days.

Potholes are formed by water penetrating the road surface through cracks caused by traffic. These cracks fill with water when it rains and when it freezes the water expands and causes the surface to rupture. When the ice melts it leaves a void under the surface which then caves in under the stress of vehicles travelling across it. Eventually it becomes a pothole.

Please let me know your thoughts on potholes.

You can contact me at: 102 High Street, Crediton or by email at: [email protected] .

What you told us ...

The roads are absolutely awful. I recently went up over George Hill and along Higher Road and all the extra traffic has contributed and made it much worse.

Crediton Resident

The potholes are getting worse. It’s certainly a problem which has grown.

Terrence Wright, Bow

I think it's time it was done. Higher Road is the worst.

Crediton Resident

It’s never good the roads are always bad. You just have to remember where the potholes are and try to avoid them.

Dennis Robertson, Lapford

Having experienced the recent closure of the main road and having to take a detour along Higher Road I was most concerned at the number of potholes that I experienced and the severe road deterioration half way down George Hill. As both these roads were not intended to experience the very heavy traffic such as large lorries and buses I sincerely hope that the highways department will make it a priority to repair the damage.

Bow Resident