HIGHWAY chiefs have defended their decision to paint double yellow lines across potholes instead of repairing them first.

They cited parking problems outside a school and said it was necessary to introduce restrictions before  the start of the autumn term.

Hampshire County Council came under fire after yellow lines were painted at Avenue Road in Lymington.

The town mayor, Cllr Jack Davies, said: "I warned the county council that they needed to repair the potholes before they painted double yellow lines.

"That they knew this and still went ahead and painted over the potholes is ridiculous. It's a scandalous waste of taxpayers' money."

Paul Whatley, whose son lives in the town, added: "Signs appeared saying the road was going to be closed and we assumed the potholes were about to be repaired.

"But they painted double yellow lines through them instead. It's absolute madness. Someone hasn't got their head screwed on properly.

"There must be at least half a dozen potholes in Avenue Road. One is about two or three feet long and an inch deep."

A county council spokesperson told the Daily Echo: "The line painting was done as part of a road safety scheme relating to the local school with the aim of preventing parking outside the school gates at school drop off and pick up times, and on nearby residential streets, obstructing access to people’s homes.

"This work was programmed so that it was completed ahead of the start of the autumn term.

"We understand people’s frustration about the timing of the line painting and the potholes. We always attempt to co-ordinate road repairs with other works on the highways but scheduling and coordination challenges can occur in managing multiple contractors and projects.

"Please be assured that we are committed to addressing the road defects promptly to ensure both the safety and convenience of all residents."

In an earlier statement the county council said the lines would be repainted once road repairs had been carried out.