Extra cash to fix pothole ridden roads

AN EXTRA £2.5million is to be spent repairing pothole ridden roads across Worcestershire.

The county council has agreed to invest the money up until 2015 in response to concerns from residents.

A total of £500,000 has been earmarked for ongoing roads maintenance with £2million set aside to deal with issues raised by councillors on behalf of residents to do with roads and footpaths.

The extra money is on top of £3.2million given to the council over the next two years by the Government to improve Worcestershire's roads.

Jon Fraser, the county council's highways manager, said: "The additional funding has been allocated by the council in response to feedback from residents, who identify roads as their second main priority after adult social care.

"Obviously we're pleased to have this additional funding and will make good use of it in continuing to repair and maintain Worcestershire's roads network."

Following heavy snowfall earlier this month and more recent wintry weather council bosses are expecting an increase in potholes, due to the effect of freezing conditions followed by a thaw, and have put on extra staff to help identify and repair them.

A total of 18 gangs - seven more than usual - are touring the county, allowing about 200 potholes a day to be repaired.

Following heavy snowfall in December 2010 and January 2011 when up to 16cm of the white stuff blanketed the borough, repair teams fixed 25,209 potholes.

Residents are being urged to help by reporting potholes by visiting www.worcestershire.gov.uk/reportit, the county council's app and by calling the highways team on 0845 607 2005.

Coun John Smith OBE, responsible for highways and transport on the council, said: "The teams will be out finding and fixing but residents can also play a big part in supporting this work by getting in touch when they spot a pothole."

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