CALLS to repair a "dangerous" pothole-littered shop car park before the winter is out have been made.
Following a one-woman campaign fronted by Humberston resident Dee Breckon, 560 people signed a petition calling for improvements to be made on the road and paths outside the shops of Fieldhouse Road.
This was handed over to parish and Humberston and New Waltham ward councillors yesterday, who also fear there will be a serious or even fatal accident if it isn't resurfaced soon.
And while Highways at North East Lincolnshire Council have said work will be carried out in the spring, campaigners fear the expected snow and freezing weather will make the surface worse and have urged them to do it before spring starts.
Mrs Breckon, 71, spent three days outside the shop collecting signatures for her petition, which was passed to Humberston ward councillors Steve Norton and John Fenty who will forward it to NELC officers.
She said: "Although I am very happy with the progress so far, the work needs to be done sooner rather than later. All it will take is another bad winter and it will be in a worse state than it is now.
"People will not be able to see the potholes if it snows, which means people could trip and hurt themselves. It is a dreadful situation and a disgrace for the people of Humberston. We deserve better than this."
Humberston Parish Council has wanted improvements to be made for five years, but NELC said they would not be able to because the land is privately-owned and they did not know who the owner was.
As the petition was launched, ward councillors tracked down the owners – of which there are several – and Highways have now written to them asking them to make urgent repairs to the parking area outside the shops – a bill the landowners will have to foot.
Mr Norton said: "We have tracked the owners down and we have written to them but what we are saying is, yes, that is progress but we shouldn't have to wait until spring before something is done about it. We want the work to start now, even if it is just remedial or temporary so people are protected for the winter.
"I applaud Dee and the residents who signed the petition, it shows that people power is strong in Humberston and it matters."
At the heart of the campaign was the fear that an elderly person will fall – when walking to the Post Office and Lloyds Pharmacy.
Chairman of the parish council, Harry Hall, added: "We are extremely worried that once the snow and ice comes, there is a danger someone is going to fall and cause serious injury, or worse, a fatality.
"And if this happens, who is going to be held responsible?"
And it isn't just health at risk, but the pockets of drivers, who claim their cars have been damaged by the potholes – and are now shopping elsewhere.
Laura Hill, 19, said: "The damage it could cause to vehicles would pinch the pocket at this time of year.
"I now avoid parking in the car park for this reason, which means I either walk to the shops, or go elsewhere where parking facilities are safer.
"If something isn't done soon, an accident or severe damage will be done, and the businesses will lose out. These are vital services and local people need proper access to them."
