A CRUMBLING road which residents say has rapidly deteriorated due to more heavy goods vehicles accessing a water treatment facility will not be resurfaced by a utilities firm.

Councillor Jake Lodge has been calling on Yorkshire Water to urgently address growing concerns from residents in the Worsbrough Dale area who live near its Edmunds Road facility.

Residents have reported noise disturbances from work on the site and operations throughout the day and night, as well as ‘significant’ levels of traffic.

It was one of five major wastewater treatment sites to receive upgrades across Barnsley last year, but its resultant additional HGV movements has caused ‘chaos’ for locals.

However, despite Coun Lodge’s pleas for action on the pothole-ridden road, Yorkshire Water chief executive Nicola Shaw ruled out carrying out resurfacing work.

She said: “I appreciate the concerns Coun Lodge has raised and understand the impact that the condition of the road may be having on local residents.

“As Edmunds Road is an adopted highway, Barnsley Council is responsible for its maintenance.

“The road does not have restrictions on vehicle weight or type, which means that the HGVs accessing our wastewater treatment works are using the route lawfully.

“If any of our vehicles were to use the road unlawfully and cause damage, we would of course put that right.

“However, we are not responsible for maintaining the highway for normal and lawful use, so we are unable to contribute to the cost of resurfacing or maintaining Edmunds Road.

“We have a positive and long-standing working relationship with Barnsley Council and regularly meet with them to discuss local operational matters - we will raise this directly with them as a result of the enquiry.

“I also recognise your concern that the road surface has been in poor condition for some time.

“This deterioration is the result of usage by a range of vehicles, not solely those operated by Yorkshire Water.

“If we were to take on the resurfacing and maintenance of every road leading to our sites, it would set a precedent that we simply could not sustain.

“That said, we are committed to minimising our impact where we can.

“For example, we have already reduced the speed limit for our vehicles to ten miles per hour.”

Coun Lodge blasted Yorkshire Water’s stance and told the Chronicle that he will continue pushing for Edmunds Road to be resurfaced.

“We love where we live in Worsbrough, surrounded by peaceful countryside and residents deserve to live in peace and feel safe when out enjoying the Trans Pennine Trail or walking their dog,” he added.

“I understand the need for this essential service but the Edmunds Road facility must not come at the expense of residents.’

“The road’s in such a state currently and it’s because it’s been battered by HGVs going to and from the site.

“I’m disappointed by the response from Yorkshire Water.

“Residents have noted the deterioration of the road surface over the past few years, when there has been increased site traffic to the facility.

“Despite this response, I will continue to push for this road to be resurfaced as soon as possible, to ensure the safety of all those using.

“We need better roads in Worsbrough.”