Frustration is bubbling over again in Darley Dale, where residents are questioning why certain stretches of the A6 are being resurfaced while others, clearly in a much worse state, are left to crumble.
A recent post in the Darley Dale – Past and Present Facebook group sparked debate after local resident Michael Alan Shimwell shared side-by-side photos of two roads: one newly resurfaced and looking pristine, the other riddled with potholes and faded markings. “Why do they keep resurfacing parts of the A6 that don’t need doing but leave the roads that do?” he asked — and he wasn’t alone. Dozens of comments echoed the sentiment. So what’s going on?
The Logic Behind Road Resurfacing
Believe it or not, there is a strategy behind which roads get resurfaced and when — though it might not always make sense at first glance.
According to Derbyshire County Council’s Highways Department:
• Main routes like the A6 get prioritised for preventive maintenance to avoid future damage. Even if the surface looks fine, early resurfacing can prevent potholes and structural failure, which are far more expensive to fix.
• Budget allocations often come with strict conditions. Sometimes central government or regional funds are ring-fenced for specific types of roads — like A-roads — and cannot be spent on smaller or residential streets, even if they’re in a worse state.
• Utility work plays a role. Roads that have recently had gas, water, or broadband works may be due resurfacing as part of the reinstatement agreement — this could explain why some stretches get redone despite seeming “fine.”
• Inspection cycles matter. Roads are inspected on set schedules. If a particularly bad side street hasn’t been formally assessed yet, it won’t be in line for repair — even if everyone locally knows it’s falling apart.
What Can Residents Do?
1. Report Problem Roads: Use the Derbyshire County Council’s online reporting tool to log potholes and damaged roads. The more reports, the more likely it is to be assessed sooner.
2. Get Your Councillor Involved: Local councillors can escalate priority cases — especially if safety is an issue.
3. Campaign as a Community: As shown by the discussion in the Darley Dale Facebook group, collective voices are powerful. Sharing images, tagging officials, and pressing for answers can push issues up the agenda.
Have You Noticed This Too?
Is your street being ignored while pristine roads get fresh tarmac? Share your pictures and stories in the comments. You can also email us at tips@derbyshire.news.
Let’s find out together — are Derbyshire’s roads being fixed smartly, or just scratched where they don’t itch?
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