An Ipswich councillor has criticised the "reactive, whack-a-mole" response to road issues as highway leaders say £50m is needed to bring roads to an "optimal level".

Cllr Chu Man, who represents Stoke Park at Ipswich Borough Council, took to social media site X using Google Map screenshots to show Belstead Road over the last 15 years.

He believes the county council is not being as quick as they are required to in maintaining roads and recent works "left a lot to be desired".

In response to the criticism, the county council says that 75 road defects have been repaired in the road since July 1 last year and that the location will continue to be inspected monthly.

Cllr Man said: "Where is the proactive, early intervention approach to stop the road defects from getting worse?

"It's clear the current, reactive whack-a-mole approach is not working."

Cllr Chu Man says the county council's current methods are not working.Cllr Chu Man says the county council's current methods are not working. (Image: Ipswich Labour)

With Cllr Tony Blacker, the pair are calling on Suffolk Highways to make rapid changes to roads in their ward. 

"While Cllr Blacker and I appreciate money is tight, but the manner of temporary ‘repairs’ along Belstead Road and others, leave a lot to be desired," Cllr Man added. 

"Some patchwork repairs were completed this April along the Stoke Park Drive end, but within weeks, more defects have formed, and more of the yellow painted lines appear.

"Driving is challenging and dangerous for cyclists."

Cllr Man also criticised the deteriorating surface of Upper Fountain Road and cul-de-sacs like Butley Close where issues have been reported. 

Cllr Man added that the rods are becoming dangerous for cars and cycles.Cllr Man added that the rods are becoming dangerous for cycles. (Image: Google Maps)

During a county council scrutiny meeting on Tuesday, cabinet member for operational highways, Cllr Paul West said that the highways committee needs £50.4m annually to bring roads to an "optimal level".

He added: "I think the public rightly demand the very highest standards." 

Cllr Paul West told Suffolk County Council that Highways need £50.4m annually to bring roads to an 'optimal level'.Cllr Paul West told Suffolk County Council that Highways need £50.4m annually to bring roads to an 'optimal level'. (Image: Suffolk County Council)

A county council spokesperson said: "Since 1 July 2023, 75 road defects have been repaired along Belstead Road, Ipswich.

"The location will continue to be inspected monthly in line with the Highway Maintenance Operational Plan (HMOP) any defects found that meet criteria will be raised for repair."

They added that a number of road defects have been worked on in Stoke Park.

Cllr Man believes no work other than statutory inspections has taken place.

He said the same is being seen with the lack of grass-cutting and weed control on public footpaths, which has led to littering and fly-tipping.

"The residents I speak to take pride in the area they call home, and will judge by what they see, especially on roads and footpaths where they live," Cllr Man added.