A Cambridge University worker has criticised dangerous potholes and damaged pavements on Sidney Street, St Andrew’s Street and Downing Street

CambridgeshireLive readers have joined with a local resident who has urged Cambridgeshire County Council to find long term solutions to the city’s “dangerous” roads and pavements. Francesca Re Manning, who works at Cambridge University, said getting around can be difficult because of their poor condition.

She said the issue became clear when she had to use crutches after surgery. “It was tricky to get around. I also struggled with a pushchair and sometimes had to step into the road to avoid damaged pavements. It’s not safe, but it can feel unavoidable.”

Mrs Re Manning said many potholes are “huge”, posing risks for cyclists and drivers. “I know someone who fell off her bike because of a pothole and broke her hip. They’re even more dangerous in the rain because water hides how deep they are.” She also highlighted badly damaged pavements, pointing to Sidney Street, St Andrew’s Street and Downing Street as some of the worst.

Many slabs, she said, are “loose and cracked”, with pieces missing or poorly fixed, leaving them unstable. She fears some elderly people may avoid certain streets because they are worried about tripping. “I hear lots of people complaining,” she said. “Many say it’s a disgrace that Cambridge has such a problem with its roads and pavements.”

She believes the council should focus on lasting repairs rather than repeated patching. “The same problems keep coming back. Streets need proper resurfacing with materials that last.”

Cambridgeshire County Council said safe travel is a key priority and confirmed it has invested £43 million in additional highways maintenance since 2023. A spokesperson said Cambridge’s roads and footpaths see exceptionally high use and are regularly inspected. Residents are encouraged to report problems through the council’s website.

Commenter Archer3747 thinks: “They’re not interested in public safety. The roads and pavements should have been properly maintained, and the consequences are plain to see. No doubt the extra costs will end up being passed on to motorists.”

Brexit498 agrees: “It is inconceivable that the county council does not know which roads are in a desperately poor condition. Indeed, the potholes on the half marathon route were highlighted in yellow paint. If the council needs to know of some roads that have potholes try: Leys Rd; Hobson St /King Street; Ferry Path; Victoria Avenue; Malcolm Street.”

Banthebikes points out: “It’s not just Cambridge, it’s everywhere, surely every council has a duty of care to keep people safe?”

Desperatedanno replies: “ All the GCP’s pet projects should be put on permanent hold until this problem is sorted. They had the gall to put in seven car-breaking speed bumps in the space of a quarter of a mile in Barton, apparently oblivious to the fact that all road users are already facing a constant slalom between potholes on every street in Cambridge and the surrounding area. And yes, we pedestrians and cyclists are paying the same price.”

Sinnikal complains: “Market Street is the worst road we’ve encountered in Cambridge, with kerb edges sticking up several inches. In St Neots, the roads and footpaths are just as bad. One footpath has been reported to the county council repeatedly over the years, but nothing has been done. I’ve fallen there once and my wife twice, the last time needing help from two nearby workmen. I’ve stopped reporting it. The council clearly isn’t interested.”

Splodger agrees: “I’ve reported the lake near Shelley Road at least ten times in the recent past. CCC replied that it will be fixed within 12 weeks. No mention is made of the year they propose the work to be done however.”

Cambridge residents say they’re forced into the road to avoid broken pavements and huge potholes. Do you think councils are doing enough to maintain local roads and footpaths where you live? Have your say in our comments section.