POTHOLES at Fingal Head up to 2m in diameter and 300mm deep are of “benefit” to road users, according to Tweed Shire Council.

In response to inquiries from the Daily News this week, the council said although the unnamed road – known to locals as Dreamtime Beach Car Park – was its responsibility, it would need permission from the State Government to fix it, as it is crown land.

“Development consent would be required to grade the road (from the relevant state authority) and council has been unable to obtain that consent,” it said in a statement.

But the council said it was unlikely to attempt to gain consent to fix the popular beach access, much to the dismay of local resident Josh Briggs.

“The road is horrendous,” Mr Briggs told the Daily News.

“There's no signs warning that you're about to hit some pretty big holes.”

“I like to park here because this beach is a beautiful spot but I wouldn't be able to access it without a four-wheel drive.”

And the council said that was its intention, saying: “The undulation of the road has the benefit of acting as a deterrent to inappropriate use of vehicles ... (ie speeding).”

But Mr Briggs warned it was only a matter of time before a driver hit one of the potholes and lost control of their vehicle.