Repairs pledged for 'shocking' road surface in Stanstead after extent of damage deters delivery drivers

A councillor’s campaign to have a “shocking” road surface repaired looks to have finally paid off, with Suffolk Highways now taking action.

Blooms Hall Lane is said to have become so rutted that Tesco and post office delivery drivers were refusing to journey down to homes along it.

Residents of the lane, outside the village of Stanstead, have complained the single-track country road has been difficult to drive along because of the condition.

Richard Kemp has welcomed the repairs, but said work should have been completed a long time ago.

“The lane has been shocking,” he said. “There are large ruts, potholes ... it is an absolute disaster area.”

The councillor said he first met residents and the parish council three years ago to discuss the issue and that Suffolk Highways, the county council’s roads arm, was informed. Despite claiming to be told it would be repaired last year, the work was not completed.

Cllr Kemp said before the county council pledged action: “There are some six homes that have to use that road. They all pay their taxes and, frankly, what I witnessed is an absolute disgrace.

“The road is so bad that people like Tesco will not deliver and the post office is looking to suspend mail deliveries.”

The county council has now been out to the site.

A spokesman for Suffolk Highways said: “Our teams have recently carried out several road repairs along Blooms Hall Lane, following reports to us of the condition of the road.

“Pre-surface dressing road repairs are currently due to take place from June 30. Surface dressing is then planned from July 30.”