Council 'disappointed' at pothole graffiti protest

The graffiti appeared some time between Monday evening and Tuesday morning

Work is taking place to cover up graffiti sprayed on a road in Derbyshire in an apparent protest over potholes.

Neighbours in Lea Vale, South Normanton, say pothole issues along their street have not been addressed for "18 months to two years".

Graffiti including a lewd image was painted on the road between Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Derbyshire County Council said it was "disappointed" at the graffiti and added "extensive patching work will take place later this year".

Potholes were also circled in yellow spray paint along the road and the words "SORT IT NAT" - in an apparent reference to local MP Natalie Fleet - were also sprayed.

They also drew two faces and a lewd image, which have been painted over by workers.

One neighbour, who did not wished to be named, said: "This road is terrible for potholes, people have to drive in the middle of the road to avoid most of them.

"But it's shocking to do something like this, it's criminal damage at the end of the day.

"It's not appropriate for the children. Complain the proper way."

This message appeared to be a reference to local MP Natalie Fleet

Resident Adam Squires said potholes were a big problem but the protest was not appropriate.

He said: "It's not good for the community here at all and even the patchwork they have done in response is not great.

"[Potholes] are not too bad elsewhere around here, this is probably the main area.

"But it is a mess and I think it might be here for a while now - the [images] are not appropriate for anyone at any age - it could have been dealt with better."

Neighbours criticised the "patchwork" job the council had done

Fleet, Labour MP for Bolsover, added: "Potholes are one of the most common issues residents raise with me, and this stretch of Lea Vale has been a problem for far too long.

"We regularly pass these concerns to Derbyshire County Council, who are responsible, but people are not seeing action.

"I understand the frustration people feel, and I share it. But I cannot support vandalism, especially when it includes offensive images in a family neighbourhood. That's not the way to get things done."

MP Natalie Fleet said she understood residents' frustration

Derbyshire County Council, which is responsible for roads in the area, said teams would be sent to remove the graffiti.

Cabinet member for potholes, highways and transport, councillor Charlotte Hill, said: "We are disappointed to see this graffiti, but would like to reassure residents that we are aware of the condition of this road.

"Our teams have work scheduled in to do some extensive patching work on Lea Vale and on Hillfields, an adjoining street, in November."

Derbyshire Police said it had not been contacted about the graffiti.