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Isle of Wight Roads Worst In England

Isle of Wight Roads Worst In England
By Isle of Wight Radio Reporter Sat, 14 July 2012 10:38AM

The Isle of Wight has the worst roads in England, according to new research released today (Saturday) by the GMB union.

More than half of them need attention.

North Lincolnshire was second with 47% of its roads needing work, followed by the City of London and Nottingham.

About 5% of roads in England have shown "considerable deterioration" in the past year, the union said.

GMB national officer Brian Strutton said: "It is clear from the official data that our roads are in a shocking state with almost a third needing attention."

GMB spokesperson Bert Schouwenburg said the the major repairs the roads need are not being done.

"The roads are frequently patched up, the utilities come along and dig them up and patch them up," he said.

"Since the hard winter a couple of years ago it's very noticeable.

"The frost did a lot of damage, the roads haven't been properly reinstated and it's a common problem."

GMB says central government cuts are responsible, which mean local authorities are spending less on road maintenance.

Mike Penning, the roads minister, said the poor quality of the roads was down to the previous Labour government.

"We inherited a really difficult economic situation," he said.

"Roads don't deteriorate overnight; they've been deteriorating like that under the previous administration.

"I don't want to do party politics over this. I'm spending £4.6bn on the major roads over the next few years.

"That's a lot more money anyone dreamed we would have to keep the economy growing and keep our roads open."

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