Residents and drivers have expressed their anger at the 'shambolic' state of a roundabout that has got so bad for overgrown grass that it's claimed that people can't see over it while trying to drive around it.
The stretch of road on the A19 Stokesley Road in Northallerton has become a problem area for drivers, according to those who live near it, including the roundabout.
In recent times, residents claim that the overgrown nature of the grass means that pulling onto the roundabout becomes a 'lottery', with some branding it 'incredibly dangerous'.
David Toon, who lives close to the roundabout on Stokesley Road, has called the roundabout an 'eyesore' and urged developers Taylor Wimpey and North Yorkshire Council to improve the area.
Mr Toon, who has previously complained about this issue, has highlighted a broken safety barrier next to the roundabout, which was damaged around two months ago by a car that smashed into it at 4am in the morning.
He said: "This roundabout has been this way for a while - we have consistently complained and are no further onwards.
"We moved here from near Yarm, thinking that this area would be kept well, but we are extremely disappointed.
"It lets the whole of Northallerton down because when people come to the town and see that - they remember things like that.
"The place should be kept looking nice. We have a lovely and beautiful garden - but then have to look out onto that roundabout, it's a complete eyesore."
This isn't the first time people have complained about the roundabout after several drivers commented on the state of the overgrown grass in June last year.
On that occasion, the developers tidied up the roundabout, but Mr Toon has now said that the overgrown grass has returned.
In response to this issue, North Yorkshire Council has said that the overgrown roundabout is the responsibility of developer Taylor Wimpey.
North Yorkshire Council’s highways area manager, Jayne Charlton, said: “The maintenance of the roundabout on Stokesley Road currently lies with the developers. However, we will investigate and take action to ensure the grass is cut.
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“We are also working on arrangements for future maintenance of the central island of the roundabout.
“We always listen to residents’ concerns around overgrown grass, which is impacting visibility, and any damage. Please be assured that we are investigating the issue.”
A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson added: “We acknowledge the concerns raised by motorists regarding the height of the grass on the roundabout on Stokesley Road. We take road safety very seriously and have arranged for the grass to be cut immediately.
“We apologise that the damaged railing is yet to be repaired. This will be fixed as part of our broader remedial works currently being planned before our maintenance period for the road begins.”
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