A COUNCIL refused to fix a pothole following an accident that left a woman injured – because it was 7mm shallower than regulations stipulate.

Lea Shields was left with a badly bruised hip and ankle after a fall caused by a pothole in the pavement.

The half inch - 13mm - pothole – situated in the Fenby Avenue area of Darlington – will not be fixed by Darlington Borough Council as it is too shallow to meet their requirements.

The council’s policy states that potholes less than 40mm (1.6in) on a carriageway and less than 20mm (0.8in) on a footway will not be repaired – though they will be regularly inspected to guard against further deterioration.

Ms Shields, 31, said: “I had my son with me in his pushchair when I had the accident and was lucky it didn’t tip over and hurt him – I ended up with a badly bruised hip and ankle.

“I phoned the council and they met me for an inspection, but said it would not be repaired – they’re not going to fix it because it’s not in the highway rules that it should be fixed.

“The rules should be changed because where I fell is opposite a school and nursery and there are children running out left, right and centre.

“There are always a lot of elderly people coming and going in the area, there are shops nearby and the paths around there have been in a state of disrepair for years and they’re not fixing it.

“It’s a hazard – not just to me but to old people and children – if an old person falls, they could break their hip or ankle and may not recover as well as I can.

“I know it was just bruising with me but what if someone is left in a position where they can’t walk again?”

A Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said: “We are aware of this unfortunate incident and sent an officer to inspect the defect area.

“We work to set service level standards and the measurements of the defect fell below the standard that required repair.

“We will continue to monitor the area and ensure that any hazards are dealt within the recommended service standards.”

To read Darlington Borough Council’s pothole policy in full, visit darlington.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/highways/potholes/.