Anger as more money spent on Somerton's 'road to nowhere'
A Somerton businessman has blasted Somerset County Council for a second time for spending money on a “road to nowhere”.
Gary Tubridy, chief executive officer of Somerton-based Avalon Sciences Limited, complained in August that the county council had wasted money repairing parts of Huish Road – an isolated lane that leads to woodland between Somerton and Kingsdon.
This week he hit out again at the council after it resurfaced the road and installed new signs.
He said he was left frustrated at a “continuing waste” of council finances, and money spent on the lane could be better used elsewhere.
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Mr Tubridy said: “They’ve done a lovely job with the lane.
“I just wish they would do it for the rest of Somerton, on roads that people actually use.
“This road leads to nowhere, it goes to a track and is not really used by anyone except dog walkers and cyclists.
“I’m a cyclist myself and the roads and pavements in the centre of Somerton on Market Place are in a much worse state than this road.
“Businesses are being squeezed for higher rates, cuts are being made on libraries, services and schools, and here they are wasting money on that road.
“It is more than a farce. The council has carried out work on this road four times in the past two years now.
“I have complained to the county council but the madness just continues.”
The businessman identified roads at St Cleers, Parklands Way and Behind Berry in Somerton, as well as some roads in nearby villages which he claimed needed attention.
A spokesperson for the county council said: “As a statutory duty, we regularly assess roads across the county and resurface where needed, even lower class roads.
“To ensure a consistent county wide approach a formalised inspection system and assessment method is used and, where appropriate, the road is repaired.
“Huish Road is a no-through road, however at the end of the road there are three public rights of way – a bridleway and two public footpaths.
“The road is of considerable length and is used to provide access to a number of agricultural properties and the adjacent fields.
“The lane takes a large volume of agricultural traffic as well as those people wishing to access the rights of way.”
The council said residents can report concerns over road surfaces by calling 0845 3459155.
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