One of these roads in Isleworth is due to be resurfaced within weeks, while the other must wait until 2017. Can you guess which is which?                        

If you thought potholed Riverside Walk was first in line for an upgrade, you'd be wrong. Hounslow Highways, the council's roads contractor, is in fact due to begin resurfacing Woodland Gardens this month.

One of the potholes in Riverside Walk, Isleworth

The decision has left residents in the two adjoining roads scratching their heads as to how the decision was made.

Woodland Gardens, in Isleworth, is due to be resurfaced shortly, despite people living in the road saying it is in perfectly good condition

Chris Hack, a 62-year-old education officer, of Woodland Gardens, said: "I've complained in the past about the condition of Riverside Walk, which is full of potholes and a danger to cycle along, but I've been told it's not bad enough to merit resurfacing before 2017.

Chris Hack in Riverside Walk

"I was amazed to receive a letter saying Woodland Gardens, which is in perfectly good condition, was due to be resurfaced in a matter of weeks. If you're going to spend money repairing roads make sure you spend it on those which need repairing."

Hounslow Highways wrote to householders in Woodland Gardens on April 9, advising them carriageway resurfacing was due to begin on May 8 and was expected to take six days.

When one resident, Leslie St James, requested more details from the council, he was told concrete would be used to resurface the road and asphalt would be used on the pavement.

He said: "We have an 80-year-old road in perfectly good condition and this is a waste of money."

He told the Chronicle he understood tarmac was being used, which the council denies, and he had collected a 127-signature petition opposing its use.

A council spokesman said: "The repair work involves replacing the damaged concrete surface with new concrete, and sealing the joints which prolongs the life of the road by preventing water from getting underneath.

"We have asked Hounslow Highways to postpone the work in Woodland Gardens so this can be explained more clearly to residents."

The council failed to comment on why Woodland Gardens was being repaired before Riverside Walk.