A PARISH councillor who protested about potholes, amid claims that they were damaging vehicles, has praised a county council for its swift action to tackle the problem.

Councillor Ernie O'Keefe, a member of Kirkby Malzeard Parish Council, raised the issue during a meeting at Masham, near Ripon, between parish councils and Harrogate Borough Council.

Coun O'Keefe had planned to take a North Yorkshire County Council highway official round his area, pointing out potholes.

But before the visit could be arranged, Coun O'Keefe received a telephone calle from Chris Craven, a highways official of the county, who is based at Starbeck, Harrogate.

Coun O'Keefe said: "I was delighted to hear that the county council had already identified the potholes and that they will all be repaired before Christmas."

He said it was good news for all road users in the area who had been suffering from the worsening conditions.

Coun O'Keefe praised the county council for not only listening to his complaints but taking them up so swiftly.

His praise follows an incident in which the parish councllor telephoned the county at 1.30pm to report tree roots lifting pavements in Kirkby Malzeard's main street.

After confirming that tree roots were to blame, the county council made sure the hazard had been removed by 5pm.

Coun O'Keefe said it was only fair that he should thank the county council for responding so swiftly and efficiently, praising Mr Craven and his staff for their help and professionalism.