RESEARCH by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has identified Trafford as having the second highest number of complaints relating to potholes in Greater Manchester.

The not-for-profit business support organisation submitted Freedom of Information (FOI) requests at all 10 local authorities in the region to ascertain which had recorded the highest number of complaints from the public relating to crumbling highways in 2013/14.

The FSB conducted the research in response to a poll of its member businesses asking in which areas they would like to see more investment locally.

In total, 37 per cent of respondents chose ‘repairing the region’s roads’, ahead of ‘major transport infrastructure’ (31 per cent), and ‘better apprenticeships’ (24 per cent).

Simon Edmondson, regional chairman for the FSB said: “People aren’t happy with the roads, that’s for sure. Although in the wider picture, Trafford are no way in the same league as Bolton, but should be aspiring to be more like Rochdale.

“The serious point to this research though is that our members pay huge amounts in business rates and expect the local roads to be of sound repair – and clearly many aren’t. The research we’ve done with our members also suggests many feel they aren’t getting value for money and want councils to spend a bit more on making the roads of an acceptable standard.

“Most businesses rely in some way on roads to do business, whether it’s for their staff to get in to work or customers to come and spend with them. Having to navigate a pothole minefield which can damage cars and also be hazardous for pedestrians doesn’t help.”

Trafford’s worst road for pothole complaints was Park Road in Timperley and Bolton topped the list for complaints.

But a spokesman for Trafford Council said: "Trafford Council confirmed its pothole reporting system makes it easy for residents to report issues.

"The council also confirmed that, as part of its annual maintenance programme, the section of Park Road Timperley between Frieston Ave and Brookfield Ave has been resurfaced."

The spokesman added this demonstrated the effectiveness of the online reporting system.

"In 2014, when the nationally accepted road condition grading system was carried out across Greater Manchester, Trafford’s roads compared very favourably. "