Phallic graffiti round potholes on Canvey painted over - but holes not repaired

A number of potholes appeared in Foksville Road, Canvey, and despite them being reported to Essex County Council, they were not repaired.

In desperation and in an attempt to get a swift resolution to the issue, some daring residents decorated the potholes with phallic graffiti.

However, they were left even more frustrated after contractors came out to paint over the graffiti - but didn’t fix the potholes at the same time.

Peter Grieg, Canvey Independent Party councillor for Winter Gardens, said: “It is total waste of time, resources and money to just send someone out to paint around a pothole in the road.

“Residents are now asking why they are paying their council tax if the pot holes aren’t being fixed.

“Anyone can just paint around a pot hole and residents have become really angry about the situation.

“Residents are questioning about whether they are getting good value for money.”

Essex County Council said these potholes are scheduled for repair next week and are repairs that have been planned for some time.

Kevin Bentley, cabinet member for infrastructure, said: “Having taken over the portfolio for highways, I have pledged to review our current contract and have said that I will attend any scrutiny panel to explain where we are and what the programme of repairs will be and when and how it is being implemented. I am delighted that we have announced an extra £4.9 million of funding for highways repairs and improvements, with an extra £2.5m set aside specifically to tackle potholes.

“That is on top of the additional £3m we announced in January to fix potholes, another £2.6m from the Department for Transport and our £50m road resurfacing programme this year, which will renew entire sections of roads and prevent potholes for years to come. All of this extra funding means more repairs, more quickly, and I will strive to ensure that happens to keep Essex moving for the benefit of residents and businesses.”