We, the residents and users of New King Street and Cumberland Row, are calling on the Council to prioritise the full resurfacing of our roads in the upcoming budget cycle.

While surrounding streets were improved years ago, New King Street and Cumberland Row were left behind. Since then, the surface has degraded significantly, and it has now reached a critical "Amber" state of decay. As roads situated within a Conservation Area in a UNESCO World Heritage city, the current condition is not only a safety hazard but a failure of our duty to maintain the city’s historic fabric, as well as a failure of the Council’s commitment to equality and community fairness.

Why action is needed immediately:

• The 25% Threshold: The Council’s own policy suggests that once degradation exceeds 25%, a simple "skim" is no longer viable, and a far more expensive full reconstruction is required. We believe New King Street and Cumberland Row are fast approaching—or have already passed—this critical point. Delaying further is a waste of taxpayer money / is fiscally irresponsible.
• A Key Cycle Route: As a designated cycle path, the current potholes and uneven surfaces pose a genuine physical danger to cyclists, contradicting the Council’s commitment to safe, green, and active travel.
• Ending the Postcode Lottery: Our streets have a high density of housing association properties and ranks significantly lower on the ACORN scale than surrounding areas. Neglecting our infrastructure while maintaining wealthier streets creates a two-tier system. We deserve the same "Fair Deal" and quality of environment as any other part of the city.
• Access for All: Our roads are home to a community centre serving children and disabled groups, as well as the internationally renowned Herschel museum. The current state of the roads creates significant accessibility barriers for those with mobility issues and reflects poorly on our city for visiting tourists.
• Addressing Structural Concerns: We are aware of previous concerns regarding the roads’ structural integrity for heavy machinery. However, avoiding maintenance is not a solution. We request a technical assessment that prioritises a long-term fix rather than continued neglect.
• Preserving UNESCO Status: Our city’s global reputation depends on the upkeep of its historic environment. The severe potholes and crumbling tarmac on New King Street and Cumberland Row are a blight on a Conservation Area and a poor reflection of our city to the international visitors of the internationally renowned Herschel museum.

We urge the Council to move New King Street and Cumberland Row from 'Amber' to 'Red' and commit to a full resurface before the road surface fails completely.