SHOPPERS have been going "potty" over the state of a road in Whitefield.

Visitors to shops in Rufford Drive - known as Rufford Parade - have complained about the number of potholes they have to negotiate in order to do their errands.

Coun Gordon Sharkey, who lives not far from Rufford Drive but represents Unsworth ward, said he had received a number of complaints which he had referred to Bury Council.

The council are set to serve notice on the company that owns the shops, demanding that they repair the road.

Coun Sharkey said: "The potholes are in a service road that leads to the shops and it is used by people either walking or in their cars. It's in a terrible state and has been for some time.

"I know the council have been in correspondence with the company that leases the shops, Oslo Estates in London, but as yet nothing has been done. I have had complaints from people and if someone elderly was to trip as a result of one of the holes, then they would seriously hurt themselves."

Ian Crook, manager for highway network services at Bury Council, said the road was not maintained by the local authority and it was Oslo Estate's responsibility to repair the damage.

He said: "We have sent them two prices; one for repairing the potholes and one for complete refurbishment, however they declined the offer. We are now going to serve notice on them to carry out the work. If they don't do it then we will repair the holes and send them the bill. It is quite bad and if someone tripped or fell, they would be injured."

Mr Crook said he had estimated it would cost £500 to repair the potholes and around £15,000 to refurbish the road.