A PETITION demanding that the roads in a north Herefordshire village are brought up to an 'acceptable standard' has been signed by 80 per cent of parish residents.

The petition was presented to the Chairman of Herefordshire Council, Cllr Brian Wilcox, on the steps of the Shirehall last Friday by a delegation of Richards Castle parish councillors supported by ward councillor Sebastian Bowen.

Parish councillor Shaun Greetham said: "The parish council has tried to bring the appalling condition of roads in the parish of Richards Castle to the attention of the highways authority.

"Unfortunately, the response has been underwhelming to say the least. One residential road has been without a top surface for decades.

"Our two main roads have sections which are in very poor condition due to a never-ending cycle of pothole repairs."

The parish council's neighbourhood development plan anticipates growth in the village, which means more use of the local roads, but also more council tax for Herefordshire Council which they say can be used to improve the highways.

Particular problem areas are Orchard Rise where residents say they have had to live with the base layer for decades, and Castle Road where the road was widened some years ago but where the hedge is understood to have been removed badly and created a 'near constant' cycle of deterioration and repair.

Cllr Sebastian Bowen said: "With 5,000 new rural dwellings expected in Herefordshire by 2031 it makes sense for the county to anticipate future revenues and borrow if necessary to bring the rural roads up to an appropriate standard.

"I am urging this is properly considered as it will be to the benefit of all and based on sound finance."

The parish council wrote to Herefordshire Council regarding their concerns over the highway and said they were told Castle Road and Orchard Rise had been inspected many times.

The petition was handed to Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for transport and roads, Cllr Barry Durkin, at Friday's meeting.