Category 3 roads and footpaths in Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Ward. Double click to enlarge

Each year professional officers at the Council assess the safety and condition of footpaths and roads in the City.

They categorise each, with poor surfaces which require resurfacing being given a “3” score.

The Council then resurface the roads as far as the available budget allows.

The worst are done first.

The recently announced £2.6 million reduction in the highways maintenance budget (56%) means that these roads are now unlikely to be resurfaced in the foreseeable future.

Not only is the resurfacing budget being cut but also the provision for temporary repairs (basically pothole filling) is also being reduced.

The effect of these decisions on road safety is likely to be extreme with pedestrians, cyclists and other two wheel users particularly vulnerable.

Potholes that are not treated promptly are more vulnerable to frost damage. This means that a cycle of disrepair will quickly reduce the quality and safety of our roads and footpaths.

It is a very short-sighted plan which will cost taxpayers more in the long term.