HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE POTHOLE HIT SQUAD!

Bedford Borough Council's Pothole Hit Squad service is celebrating its first birthday this month as new figures show they filled more than 5,000 potholes during 2011 - nearly three times the number repaired in 2010.

The Pothole Hit Squad service was launched in January 2011 to provide a quick response service which was able to carry out permanent repairs to potholes in the borough.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: "We were one of the first authorities in the country to introduce mobile teams dedicated to getting out and about and dealing with potholes on our roads. The teams have been successful in getting more potholes repaired and in doing so swiftly and efficiently. I'm delighted that they are still going strong a year on from their launch, having dealt with more than 5,000 potholes.

"To put this into context, we repaired approximately 1,800 potholes during 2010, so the Pothole Hit Squad teams allowed us to repair nearly three times as many potholes during the year. This is great news for local residents and the quality and safety of our roads for all road users.

"The continued support for the Pothole Hit Squad goes alongside our other efforts to look after the borough's roads with record levels of grit available at the start of this winter as well as a programme to resurface many roads throughout the borough."

Local residents can report a pothole by contacting the Highways Helpdesk on 01234 718003. All potholes will be assessed on a priority basis.