CONCERNS have been raised about the impact of potholes on motorists across Flintshire.

Buckley Councillor Carol Ellis told the Leader she has reported two potholes at the junction of Muirfield Road and Mold Road in the town numerous times.

She explained: "I'm told they're not a priority because they're not deep enough or on a main road.

"But they are noticeable and I do hear from residents about them.

"They might only be small but when you're coming off the main road from the Buckley end, turning right into the road, you hit one of them with your tyre constantly.

"And you get the same going out the other way as well - you just can't avoid them.

"I use that road all the time and so I am aware of them.

"I understand the council's budget is constrained and officers can only work on that they're being told to work on - I am not blaming the officers in any way.

"But I think people are afraid of damaging their tyres.

"It's not a pleasant driving experience and it can't be good for officers, the public or the councillors who are tying to sort these complaints out."

Cllr Ellis also said she has also seen first hand how potholes can cause motorists to swerve in the road to avoid them, which could present a safety hazard.

"I think Buckley has been generally well maintained compared to the rest of Flintshire," she continued.

"I drive around Flintshire a lot and the journey from Buckley to Broughton, once you hit the Dobshill roundabout - it's awful there.

"And the roundabout after that as well - those two are particularly bad.

"When people are paying their council tax, they expect certain things - their bins to be collected and their roads to be maintained."

A Flintshire Council spokesman said: "Scheduled safety inspections take place on all adopted roads in the county.

"During these inspections officers will determine whether any defects meet our invention criteria in accordance with Flintshire County Council’s Policy for Highway and Car Park Safety Inspections.

"The winter weather adversely affects our roads, leading to road damage and the formation of potholes.

"As such the County Council will be deploying additional resources to address areas of concerns.

"These works, which includes machine patching, have already began.

"While we recover from the winter period, resources will focus on the defects that have a significant impact on highway users, other defects, such as potholes that are not of a depth above 40mm are recorded and remedial works will take place as soon as resources allow.

"The Council values public reports of road issues between inspections to help prioritise repairs, and would encourage members of the public to report any potholes to Streetscene Contact Centre at 01352 701234."