More than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling for the repair of a ‘cratered' road used by school minibuses carrying disabled children.

Campaigners are calling on the council to fix Fortyfoot Road, which is home to Woodlands School for children with disabilities in Leatherhead.

Surrey County Council said property owners are responsible for the private road but acknowledged concerns particularly over the school.

Campaigner Mark Francis, who lives in Highwoods off Fortyfoot Road, said one of the potholes was deeper than a ballpoint pen.

He said: "It’s like craters on the moon in parts. The minibuses bounce through the potholes or swerve to avoid them, which has lots of implications for safety."

Mr Francis said the council should take responsibility for the road given the location of the school, a care home, recreation ground, hospital, scout group and charity.

Councillor Clare Curran, chairman of the council’s local committee for Mole Valley, has asked officers to investigate and report back on the road at a meeting in September.

Coun Curran said: "Fortyfoot Road is a private road, and the owners would normally be responsible for its repair, regardless of who uses it.

"However, we do understand local concerns about the road condition, in particular as far as the school is concerned."

She said they are working with campaigners and concerned parties to find a solution.

She said: "It is not straightforward, as we have to consider the views of everyone affected before asking the council taxpayer to fund repairs that will benefit private road-owners."

Sign the petition at petitions.surreycc.gov.uk/40FootRoadCam