A CYCLIST from Wellington is speaking up about “dangerous” potholes on Wellington Roads.

Ben Fox cycles for leisure around Wellington but has increasingly found the roads, especially South Street, “unsafe” due to the large and unavoidable potholes.

Friends, family and numerous other cyclists Mr Fox has spoken to have also expressed their concerns about the unsafe roads in Wellington.

Cyclists in Wellington have shared their concerns over potholes on the roads..

Mr Fox, partner of The Big House Co, said: “The number and depth of potholes in Wellington is truly alarming. We are encouraged to be green and to cycle to work and school, but how can we do that when the roads are not safe?

“On South Street and Wellesley Park, the potholes are especially unsafe for cyclists because of the cars parked on the side of the road means cyclists have to go into the centre of the road where the potholes are.

“It is also concerning for children in nearby schools who would be doing their Bikeability training on these roads, as well as visitors who may be unaware of the potholes depths.”

In a new mapping tool from the Department of Transport, Local Highway Authorities (LHA) have been rated by ‘green’, ‘amber’ and ‘red’ depending on how well they are using government funding to fix potholes and invest in long term measures to maintain roads.

Like the majority of the country, Somerset is ranked ‘amber’, meaning there is room for improvement in their spending.

A spokesperson for Somerset Council, said: “This is a particularly challenging time of year in terms of road defects with a repeating wet, then freezing conditions. We carry out regular inspections but it is really important that people do report issues using our online portal.

“This is the quickest way to reach the team and get damage to the road logged.”

Report a problem on the roads at www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/report-a-problem-on-the-road