Gale Street is like patchwork

MOTORISTS are the subject of even more delays in our journeys to and from work etc. Why?

Because they're digging the road up in Gale Street, Dagenham again!

How many more times does this road have to be dug up?

The road is starting to look like a patchwork quilt. Soon, we'll be able to join up all the repaired patches of tarmac and make a new road surface.

Maybe this could be a work of art and we could rename this road Patchwork Lane.

First, the whole of Gale Street is dug up to lay essential cables, closing the road for weeks on end; then it's the turn of the gas pipes to be repaired or renewed, then the electricity company has a go, then its back to the gas works. This list goes on and on.

What is the fascination of the area close to Becontree Tube Station?

First it's on the junction of Rugby Road, then on the junction of Ivyhouse Road then shortly after near the junction of Rusper Road, quickly returning to the junction of Rugby Road.

OK, I understand that we don't want any supply pipes to be left in a dangerous condition if there is a leak but come on, has road digging become a recession-free industry these days?

It seems that every time this country goes into recession, out come the workers digging up all the roads.

Being an ex-Barking and Dagenham councillor, and especially as I was one of the representatives whose ward covered Gale Street, I can imagine the grief I would have got from my constituents if I was still in office, and rightfully so.

People want to question why their council taxes are being constantly used in this manner for temporary fixes.

Come on Barking & Dagenham Council, let's get some strategic planning together and get this problem sorted once and for all and start to help free up these ridiculous traffic jams in this busy feeder road from the A13.

Steve Gill

Former Barking & Dagenham Councillor

Beardsley Terrace

Dagenham