A BATTLE that has been going on for decades continues over an unadopted Worcester road.

Residents of Nunnery Lane in Worcester say they are at their wits end after being told it is up to them to repair the ‘dangerous’ road surface.

The road situated between Hazewood Close and Hillery Road has been in a state of disrepair for years as nobody is claiming responsibility for the private ‘unadopted’ road.

Resident, Martin Hawker said: “This has been a source of tension since the houses and road were built back in 1936.

“Nobody wants to accept responsibility for the road. The council keep telling us that it is up to us to repair it but we do not agree.

“Nunnery Lane is used as a throughfare to the new housing estate, that the council approved. Not only that but it is also used by Nunnery Wood High School for deliveries.

“We did a survey on a weekday to see how many cars used this supposedly ‘private’ road and found 100 cars and lorries used the lane in just two hours.

“Why should the responsibility lay at the door of the residents when the road is used by so much outside traffic?

“We have had cases where people have attempted to fill the pot holes with bits of rubble and brick, which of course is a further danger.

“This alone emphasises that this is not a job for residents, it is beyond irresponsible for the council to wash their hands of this as they have done.”

A quote from a private contractor estimated the necessary repairs to the road would cost £23,257.00 plus VAT.

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “We have sympathies with the residents of Nunnery Lane which is a private street. However, our position on this matter remains the same; there are a number of private streets within Worcester city and the county council must adopt a consistent approach when dealing with enquiries.

“A private street is a highway not maintainable at public expense but one which the public have a right to use. The local Highway Authority is, therefore, under no obligation to pay for its maintenance.

“Responsibility for the cost of maintaining a private street rests with the 'frontages' - the owners of properties with frontages on such streets.”