The weather may be less than summery at the moment, but one sure indication the season has returned – complaints about roadside verges.

East Anglian Daily Times: An example of overgrown verges near Peasenhall, pictured previously. Picture: ARCHANT LIBRARYAn example of overgrown verges near Peasenhall, pictured previously. Picture: ARCHANT LIBRARY (Image: Archant)

Heveningham farmer Alan Rush has hit out at what he describes as “ridiculous” failures at Suffolk Highways.

Mr Rush said the overgrown verges near his village and others in Suffolk had been left to reach “dangerous” levels. He claims attempts to raise his concerns through Suffolk Highways’ online system had proved a “waste of time” as an automated response told him he could only expect an answer within 30 days.

“It’s impossible to contact anyone in highways directly,” he said. “Quite frankly, the roadside verges are just being left.

“It’s dangerous - driving in Heveningham is absolutely lethal.”

Mr Rush said the problem with potholes was just as bad and he felt taxpayers were getting poor value for money.

“The potholes are everywhere and we are just having to learn to live with them,” he added.

SCC extended its public-private contract with Kier in October last year, up to a maximum of 10 years. Labour councillors, speaking at the time, called the decision “unsafe, untested and seriously premature”.

They said Kier had consistently missed performance targets and claimed complaints from the public had increased.

Mr Rush has also questioned SCC’s decision to extend the contract, given the performance to date. “The service is getting worse,” he added. “No one seems to be taking any responsibility.”

Suffolk County Council said people who wanted to report a highways related concern were advised to use the online reporting tool, or to speak to a member of the Suffolk Highways contact centre team, if required.

“We acknowledge every contact we receive whether it’s online or by phone and our response time reflects the volume of contacts we receive,” a spokesman added. “In many cases, concerns are addressed much faster, but it is right to give a realistic timeframe based on demand levels.”

The spokesman said the council cut grass verges twice a year for A and B roads and once for C and unclassified roads.

Visit here to report a highways issue.

Visit here for more information on grass cutting.