A utility company currently digging up roads around High Wycombe says it has deliberately left behind temporary surface, which has been criticised by drivers.

SSE Power Distribution is carrying our power cable work in Cressex, and after an agreement with the council has put down a rough layer after finishing on a stretch near Lincoln Road.

Driver and High Wycombe resident Raymond Pearce said the rough surface around the industrial estate could cause damage to cars.

He said: “I drive through there every single day, it wasn’t exactly superb before but now it’s a nightmare.

“What they should have done is run a steam roller over it but they haven’t so it’s uneven. It needs another go and fixing.

“As a driver we’re forking out for road tax towards funding repairs on the roads and our cars are always getting damaged.”

However, Buckinghamshire County Council insists it asked the power company to leave it unfinished in time for a council resurfacing programme later in the summer.

Rosemary Bryant, of Transport for Buckinghamshire, said: “This was specifically requested by TFB, to ensure that there are no settlement issues ahead of the TFB re-surfacing that is due in the area.

“Weekly site meeting are conducted with SSE Electric to confirm that the works are complying with the legislation. Coring of the surface will also be conducted by SSE to confirm standards for depth are being met.

“A permanent surface will be laid by SSE in the coming months. Carver Hill will be completed around mid-July and Lancaster/Desborough being surfaced during August weather permitting.

“Utility companies must comply with the conditions set by TfB and their work must be guaranteed for a minimum of 2 years. Any defective area found in that re-instatement during this guarantee period must be re-surfaced.”

SSPE spokesman Waseem Zakir echoed the council’s statement, saying the resurfacing should be carried out during school summer holidays.

He said: “Due to tight timescales to meet BCC’s resurfacing programme, the current trench reinstatement is temporary and in agreement with BCC.

“Once installation is complete our contractor will smooth the trench and adjacent road surface, and use specialist machines to resurface the trench in line with current Highways specification.”