A councillor has pointed the finger at central government for the state of Petersfield’s roads as the wait goes on for changes to a notorious junction.

Cllr Russell Oppenheimer cut a frustrated figure on Thursday when he gave an update on Hampshire County Council matters to town councillors (PTC).

Potholes and the Durford Road crossroads dominated the conversation, with PTC hearing the majority of repairs are temporary because of the sheer number of road defects around the county.

“I apologise and I know a lot of people are upset about it and I get letters and emails all the time,” said the councillor in acknowledging the “really bad state” of roads around the town and county.

“When we make temporary refills they will go back and fill them properly later on, but we desperately need extra funding.

“Central government just don’t give us the money. The systemic underfunding of local government has gone on for some time now and we’ve reached the point where it’s unsustainable.

“We should be routinely resurfacing roads every seven years.”

Cllr Oppenheimer’s comments echoed those recently made by HCC leader Cllr Nick Adams-King, who said it will take £600million to bring the county’s road network up to scratch, but only £60million has been made available.

Mr Oppenheimer, who confirmed to PTC he is not standing for re-election, was also asked for an update on the “deadly” Durford Road crossroads scheme amid more accidents at the hotspot.

He said: “There’s commissioning, then a five to six month period, so if that happens that would indicate an October start.

“I’m as frustrated as you are. Rob Mocatta and I do keep the pressure up and we’re always demanding meetings and sending stroppy emails.”

“It will get done but at the moment I can’t give any absolute guarantee.”