A COUNCILLOR is calling for action to tackle a Burntwood car park that is like driving "on the surface of the moon" for local motorists.
Cllr Andrew Clissett, Reform UK representative for Burntwood North at Staffordshire County Council, said the privately-owned site at Sankey's Corner was now a public safety hazard.
He said action was now needed to maintain and improve the surface of the car park.
Cllr Clissett explained:
"We are no longer just talking about an annoying, bumpy ride – we are talking about genuine danger to the public.
"I have documented craters in this car park deep enough to swallow a traffic cone base.
"The crumbling tarmac and loose paving slabs are creating a daily nightmare for our elderly residents and anyone using mobility aids, while the sharp, deep potholes are an active threat to tyres and vehicle suspensions."
The shopping area at Sankey's Corner has been in focus recently as plans for the long term future have been drawn up as part of the Burntwood Masterplan.
Cllr Clissett said that the regeneration of the site highlighted a start contrast between cosmetic projects and safety:
"While some local politicians are currently prioritising funding for 'clean and green' window stickers to cover up a boarded-up pub, this dangerous car park is the reality our residents are forced to deal with daily.
"We cannot let cosmetic window dressing hide the fact that the actual foundations of our town centre are falling apart."
Cllr Clissett added that pressure needed to be applied on landowners to resolve issues such as maintenance rather than expecting the taxpayer to foot the bill.
And he has now called for enforcement action to be taken to force much-needed repairs.
"I completely reject the recent suggestion from district politicians that we should use public county council taxpayer money to slap a temporary patch on a private landlord's mess.
"The owners have dodged their legal safety duties for far too long, expecting the Burntwood community to just put up with the decline."
