THE state of rural roads in the borough and a lack of action by Thurrock Council to repair potholes and subsidence has been highlighted by a local resident who has condemned the authority for its attitude to the problem and the way it deals with complaints.

Dr Gurdev Saini lives in Horndon on the Hill and is a regular user of Blackbush Lane which links homes in the village to Orsett Road.

Dr Saini says the road is dangerous and in a poor state of repair – but that is not a view shared by the council who made a judgement call on his complaint inside four and a half hours – which he struggled to believe is adequate time to visit the site and check.

And the message back presents something of a conundrum as the council says the road in 'not at an investigatory level' – even though it has investigated it!

Dr Saini, who is now retired after a career in practice at the Lynwood Medical Centre in Romford, says: "I lodged a report regarding the state of Blackbush Lane on 28 July at 9.30pm and received a reply the following day, time at 1.18pm.

"The response was 'Your report is closed. We have investigated this issue and fault is not at investigatory level. We will continue to monitor it through routine inspections.

"The council offices open at 9am and they appear to have discussed, investigated and prepared a report in just over four hours!

"How much more damage needs to happen or does there need to be injuries for the council to repair this road?

"I have been here since 1986 and this road has never been resurfaced - only few potholes filled once! I have walked the road today (Monday, 2 August) and taken lots of pictures of its state Half the road from Orsett Road to farmer's gate is the worst. The difference of height of the middle one third of the road to its sides varies from two inches to eight to 10 inches and there are continuous scratch marks in the middle where bottom of vehicles were scrapped

"The road is now dangerous, not only to drive but is a hazard to walkers and runners

"I was thinking I should send a message to council that I am stopping paying their council tax and will continue to review the position and pay when I feel fit to pay! I wonder what reaction that might provoke?"