THE state of Southampton’s roads has been a hot topic in the run-up to next week’s council elections.

Conservative group leader Royston Smith, pictured centre left, up for re-election in Harefield, says “hundreds” of people across the city have spoken to him on the doorstep about potholes and the poor condition of city streets.

He said: “Residents quite rightly are saying that the repairs that are being done aren’t good enough.

“Even if the council can’t clean the streets the way it used to, it must carry out road repairs because they can be dangerous.”

Cllr Smith says his party will prioritise spending on roads if they win the elections next Thursday.

Labour council leader Simon Letts has said his party will double investment in roads if they hang on to power.