Growing calls to fix 'worst road' in county

The A417 between Faringdon and Wantage is decaying and prone to flooding

Users of a road dubbed the "worst in Oxfordshire" have called on the authorities to make it safer.

The A417 between Faringdon and Wantage is decaying and prone to flooding, with vehicles often having to drive through deep potholes.

Steve Henry, who runs an MOT workshop at Mellor's Garage, said the state of the road was "shocking" and "disgusting".

Oxfordshire County Council said it was doing everything it could to make the route safe but had to resolve issues with the drainage of floodwater first.

The A417 is so notorious that it even has a dedicated Facebook page, with users regularly enquiring when it is safe to traverse the route.

Mr Henry, who used to own the garage he operates from, told the BBC: "It's cost me my business. I had to sell it last year. It was closed for a period of time, flooded.

He cited the "potholes, speed of the vehicles, the lorries, the state of the road", as ongoing concerns.

"If you're on a motorbike or pushbike it's dangerous. Someone will lose their life.

"When it rains… it's absolutely shocking."

He added: "There are local businesses behind me on the trading estate, it's cost them money, it's cost everybody money.

"All we're trying to do is employ local people and make a living."

Another motorist told the BBC she "dreaded" taking the route every day.

"You try and move away from one [pothole] and you go into another," she said.

"I'm just waiting for my car or one of my tyres to burst at this point."

Another added: "It's mad getting to and fro. We've had two or three bad punctures… it's getting ludicrous."

The council said it was doing everything it could to make the route safe

Olly Glover, MP for Didcot and Wantage, said he shares the concerns and frustrations of the constituents contacting him about the road.

He promised to "continue to press for an urgent solution to both the flooding and dangerous road surface".

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber has also raised concerns about the A417.

"Is this the worst road in Oxfordshire?" he asked on his Facebook page.

"It's bad enough on four wheels, but imagine riding this stretch of road on a bicycle or motorbike."

In a statement the council said: "We are aware of the deteriorating carriageway and are doing all we can do to keep the road safe.

"However, due to the ongoing issue with the flood water, any repairs undertaken are at risk of further failure until such time that issues with the land drainage can be resolved and a more permanent repair to the carriageway can be carried out.

"Regarding the landowners, we are working with all parties on matters relating to this issue, including the maintenance of the watercourse."