Funding Boost for Roads Hit by Bad Weather

An extra £200,000 will be spent on repairing damage to Bedford Borough's roads caused by the winter weather this year and in previous years.

The money will fund the repair of at least 2,000 extra potholes across the Borough, in addition to the 1,100 pothole repairs already made each year.

The Council has had to make difficult decisions as part of the budget setting process for 2016/7 but releasing funds to repair roads damaged by severe weather is seen as a priority measure to ensure the right infrastructure is in place to support residents and businesses.

Councillor Charles Royden, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport, said: "We're committed to providing good services for our residents, despite big cuts to our budgets from Central Government. Our pledge of an extra £200,000 will make roads safer for residents and visitors alike, whether they are cycling or driving."

During severe weather road surfaces can deteriorate. Water seeps into cracks in the road and expands as it freezes. This causes cracks to open up in the surface. Repeated thawing and freezing causes the most damage.

A pothole hit squad service was launched by the Council in January 2011 to provide a quick response service to carry out permanent repairs to potholes. Since its launch, the service has repaired more than 12,000 potholes across the Borough.

The Council plans to spend around £6 million on highway maintenance in 2016/17. Of the £6 million highway maintenance budget, £4.5 million will be spent on road and footway resurfacing and the rest on bridge, street lighting and drainage repairs.

Local residents who wish to report a pothole are asked to contact the Highways Helpdesk on 01234 228661 or visit www.bedford.gov.uk