Pothole repairs given funding boost

Work to tackle the damage caused to roads by last week’s snow is already underway, with the focus on making the roads safe for motorists.

Highways inspectors from Darlington Borough Council are working closely with resurfacing gangs to identify potholes around the borough and get them repaired and made safe as soon as possible.

The additional £90,000 Pothole Fund grant, awarded to the council by the Department for Transport, will be used to carry out larger, permanent repairs in a planned programme of works in April.

This may involve resurfacing sections of the roads rather than filling individual potholes.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We have taken a very proactive approach to repairing the damage that has appeared as a result of the snow and cold weather last week.

“While it is still cold and wet any repairs that are carried out will be temporary, as the conditions are not right to do more permanent work.  Once the temperature started to rise, we’ll be in a position to do dedicated programme of permanent repairs across the borough.

“We repair hundreds of potholes each month and work hard to keep roads safe for motorists and cyclists – the additional funding from the government is welcome to help us carry on this work.”

On average the council fills in between 6,000 and 8,000 potholes each year. In January alone, 674 potholes were repaired.

A webpage explaining how pothole repairs are carried out and prioritised is available at http://www.darlington.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/highways/potholes/

To report a pothole call 01325 405222 or email [email protected]