SOMERSET County Council has welcomed news that it will receive an extra £3.8million of government funding to repair the county’s roads.
The money has been allocated as part of a £168million repair fund created by the government to be used for tackling potholes nationwide.
In reaction to the news, Somerset County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, cllr Harvey Siggs said, “This is great news for Somerset’s roads. The funding will allow us to add to the significant work that we are already doing to improve our highways and byways.”
“Somerset has previously been recognised for good practice in dealing with potholes and the recent pothole report highlighted these to other local authorities.”
Somerset County Council repaired over 25,000 potholes during the last financial year, which is nearly 70 each day.
The funding comes in response to the recent wet winter experienced by Frome and the surrounding villages, which has caused new potholes to be created as well as the worsening of existing ones. However with the extra money Somerset County Council can undertake more extensive repairs, making roads safer and smoother for motorists, cyclists and others using the highways.
Cllr Siggs added, “After the severe weather we have experienced over the past couple of years, this funding is very welcome news.”
