Alderman Philip Smith counted over 100 defects and potholes on Beechvale Road from the Balloo junction to Main Street near Killinchy. He stated the road requires complete resurfacing rather than temporary repairs.

The road carries substantial heavy goods vehicle traffic for which it was not originally designed. It provides access to a large primary school and supports a local community.

Smith noted that patching work occurred a year ago but defects have reappeared. Vehicles now swerve into oncoming lanes to avoid potholes.

He urged prioritisation of resurfacing to prevent accidents. Smith described Northern Ireland roads as a disgrace and said Ards and North Down receives low investment at £18 per person annually, less than neighbouring areas.

The councillor raised the issue with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins last June during a council delegation at Stormont. He criticised the Department's funding allocation by road length instead of traffic volume.

Smith requested a review of the funding formula and called for urgent investment in Beechvale Road as a priority example.