Council bracing itself for record pothole repairs (From Stourbridge News)

Council bracing itself for record pothole repairs

8:50am Thursday 13th January 2011 in News

CASH-strapped Dudley Council is bracing itself for an anticipated record cost of repairing an unprecedented number of potholes which have opened up in the borough’s roads following the recent cold snap.

Last year’s record number of 2,534 potholes reported to the council is expected to be smashed and a senior councillor is looking to the Government for help in funding the repairs.

In total, the highways department filled more than 15,000 potholes during 2010 and the budget for this financial year was pegged at £1.6 million from the previous year.

A council spokesman said: "We have experienced an increase in the number of potholes as a result of the December 2010 being the coldest month for 100 years.

“We are only two weeks into the new year, and we will not know the full impact the weather has had on the roads until the end of the winter.”

Cabinet member for transportation Councillor Angus Adams said the majority of the repairs would be funded from the budget which has yet to be set for 2011/12.

He anticipates the money will be found from within its main budget, unlike neighbouring Sandwell Council which plans to fund pothole repairs largely from reserves for the second year running.

Last year, the Government helped local authorities and Dudley received an extra £252,000 for repairs. Cllr Adams said he hoped help would be made available this year, although there had been no indication of additional funding so far.

“I would hope the Government will be able to help with funding as it is a pressure no councils are prepared for.

“The maintenance grant from Government has been cut so low over the years that we have not been able to maintain the roads to the standard we would like, which means potholes are more likely to occur,” he added.

The public can report potholes by ringing Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345.