The debate over responsibility for a crumbling St Neots road which has not had any proper maintenance for about 40 years remains unresolved – and ­residents may need to pay to have it resurfaced.

Following a meeting with senior Highways Authority officers, county, district and town councillor Barry Chapman said there was still some confusion surrounding the ownership of West Street.

The Hunts Post reported two weeks ago how the street was in an appalling state with no sign of anyone stepping in to repair it.

CCC officers have offered to meet West Street Residents’ Association and, if it is eventually determined to be a private road, to advise them how they could get the road resurfaced.

Cllr Chapman said: “The situation is a little bit uncertain. It is certainly not an adopted road but the question is whether it is a private road or whether it is ­effectively a piece of land that isn’t a road. People have had a right of way over it for some time and it doesn’t appear in anyone’s deeds, but there is no proof that it is a private road.

“People seem to have different views of what a private road is.”

Members of the association have suggested laying a mesh surface on the road and filling it with gravel, but Cllr Chapman said this may incur a cost to the residents.

However, this method could mean the road is confirmed as a private road.