FRUSTRATED residents in Holcombe claim Bury Council has got its priorities wrong as it focuses on plans for speed humps to be installed.

Householders are questioning why potholes are not being filled before any potential new traffic calming measures, which may also include a 20mph limit, come into force.

Patrick Beetson, of Haworth Avenue, said: “The potholes are dangerous and need to be sorted out before they start putting in speed humps.

“We pay our road tax so why should we have to put up with the dangerous holes in our roads.

“Priorities should be put right. Potholes before speed humps.”

Plans have been put forward to introduce the speed limits in roads around the Holcombe Brook East area, including Newcombe Road, Peel Hall Road, Waterside Road, Railway Street, Mayfield Road and Summerseat Lane.

A council spokesman said: “The condition of the road network, and the number of potholes we have today, is the result of long-term chronic underfunding of the nation’s roads.

“Contrary to some recent headlines, Bury has not received any extra money from the Government to tackle potholes.

“Infact, the money we have been given for all capital highways maintenance funding has actually been reduced by 15 per cent.

“Regardless, we have taken our own measures to help repair the borough’s roads. Last year we brought in two new machines, known as caterpillar skid steer loaders, to increase efficiency and save costs.

“These machines are making a real difference to road repairs and minor resurfacing works, increasing productivity by 30 to 60 per cent depending on the repair.

“Residents in Ramsbottom will also have noticed schemes taking place to improve the highways, such as along Bolton Road West at the junction with Nuttall Lane and also at the junction with Lumb Carr Road.

“These demonstrate that we are continuing to invest in our highway network despite deep cuts to our budgets and the need to maintain other front-line services."

Council officers say the issue of 20mph zones was completely separate.

The spokesman added: "Our Street Safe scheme has been running for many months, the aim being to reduce traffic speed on streets within residential areas across the borough.

“It is designed to improve safety for all road users, especially the more vulnerable, and reduce the number and severity of accidents.

“All of the Street Safe schemes are advertised and consulted on extensively before any decision is made.”

The public consultation period has now ended, and a decision is expected to be made by Bury's planning committee within a few months.

Speed humps are set to be installed on all of the roads, although 20mph limits will only be placed in Newcombe Road, Waterside Road, Railway Street and Summerseat Lane.