The battle to repair Streatham's streets was taken to the heart of Government last week when local residents visited Downing Street to draw attention to the worsening problem of potholes.

Government representatives were presented with a 4,000 signature petition protesting about the pock-marked roads which have been increasing in number due to lack of repair over the past few years.

The petition was compiled over the past month at various shops around the town, and was even signed by scores of officers from Streatham police station, as well as representatives from Streatham bus garage.

Local campaigner Ann Savage, who organised the petition, said: "The petition just shows the strength of feeling on this issue.

"The roads not only look ugly but they are dangerous and nothing has been done about them for years, no matter how much we complain."

Walking along the immaculate tarmac of Downing Street, Ms Savage was joined by campaign supporter June Fewtrell, the Mayor of Lambeth.

Councillor Fewtrell said: "The roads are positively dangerous in this state; they are an accident waiting to happen.

"It's not just the roads either but the pavements which have fallen into disrepair.

"It is very much a concern for the people I represent."

Next week Christopher Chope, Conservative shadow minister for transport, has invited Ms Savage to the House of Commons to find out more about the problem, and has even suggested raising the issue in debate within the house.

The step-up in the campaign comes as Lambeth Council announced it had alloacted £500,000 from its budget to begin to tackle the problem.

Lambeth cabinet member for the environment Andrew Sawdon said: "There is a tremendous backlog and we know a great deal more work is needed to get to grips with a long legacy of disrepair.

"But I hope residents, businesses and visitors will now begin to see a difference in the state of our roads and pavements. This is just a start."

A pothole repair gang was sent out to start work in Streatham Wells last week, and residents are advised to report potholes or problems with pavements by calling 020 7926 9000.

July 11, 2002 16:30