Repairs to a potholed lane have not materialised - despite villagers paying more than £500 each towards them.

The un-adopted Home Farm Lane, which forms part of the ancient Roman road Peddars Way, leads to a dozen or so properties on the outskirts of Merton, near Watton.

Eastern Daily Press: Potholes on Home Farm Lane at Merton, near Watton Potholes on Home Farm Lane at Merton, near Watton (Image: Chris Bishop)Parts of its surface are scarred by deep potholes caused by farm vehicles and sugar beet lorries.

Clare Cox, who runs a cattery on the lane says her customers now struggle to access her business and have to park a quarter of a mile away and walk to and from her premises with their pets.

Eastern Daily Press: Potholes near Clare Cox's cattery on Home Farm Lane at MertonPotholes near Clare Cox's cattery on Home Farm Lane at Merton (Image: Chris Bishop)The road has become so rutted that waste company Veolia have suspended waste bin collections from her property because of its "extreme potholes and uneven surface". 

Norfolk County Council, which oversees paths which are designated National Trails has also written to villagers, warning them that the potholes are "affecting the rights of the public to use the path".

Eastern Daily Press: The lane forms part of Peddars Way, a National TrailThe lane forms part of Peddars Way, a National Trail (Image: Chris Bishop)It says since they enjoy access rights and their vehicles use the lane, it is their duty to maintain it.

But Ms Cox, 47, whose family have owned a home beside Home Farm Lane since 2000, says the deeds to their property state the Merton Estate, which is owned by the de Grey family, has a duty of care to maintain the road.

Eastern Daily Press: The lane leads through the trees towards properties on the outskirts of MertonThe lane leads through the trees towards properties on the outskirts of Merton (Image: Chris Bishop)In June, homeowners received a letter from the estate's farm managing agent, John Hall, stating a local farmer had quoted £5,000 plus VAT to carry out the work.

It said the estate was prepared to instruct them to proceed provided the owners of 11 properties each contributed £545 towards the cost.

Eastern Daily Press: The village sign at Merton, near WattonThe village sign at Merton, near Watton (Image: Chris Bishop)Ms Cox said she paid the money, along with most other people along the lane.

"They've had everybody's money, what's going on," she added.

Eastern Daily Press: Potholes along the lane at MertonPotholes along the lane at Merton (Image: Chris Bishop)

Mr Hall said: "We've instructed contractors, so we're in the hands of the contractors."