HIGHWAYS chiefs are ploughing half a million pounds into repairing the potholes which continue to plague Burton motorists.
The perennial problem has been exacerbated by another harsh winter, with particularly bone-crunching crevices reported on Burton Bridge, in Wellington Road and Melbourne Avenue, Winshill.
Staffordshire County Council is making the £500,000 investment after revealing it had seen a 50 per cent increase in reports of potholes.
The money will be in addition to the £43.5 million it spends on repairing roads across the county each year.
Mike Maryon, the authority’s cabinet member for highways and transport, issued a plea for patience to frustrated drivers.
He said: “The severe weather we’ve been experiencing has taken its toll, but once conditions allow, our dedicated highways team will be out and about repairing the potholes. We are doing all we can to fix the problem but will have to prioritise.
“I’d ask people to be patient as this is a huge job and will take some time. In the meantime, people should report any potholes by phoning our hotline.
“We are constantly working to improve our roads to keep them safe. The extra half a million pounds allocated to repairing potholes is testament that the council is a well-run, responsible authority which puts the safety of Staffordshire’s people at the forefront.
“Well maintained highways are vital to Staffordshire’s economy and for the past three years we have successfully reduced the number of potholes on our roads.
“However, in the last six months, we identified 6,500 potholes – a 50 per cent increase on the previous year, which followed the county’s wettest year on record and which will have increased further, because of recent heavy snow and a further deluge of rain.”
Anyone who spots a pothole or damaged road is asked to report it to the council by calling 0300 1118000 or online at www.staffordshire.gov.uk
The council advises motorists to ensure their safety and avoid further damage by ‘slowing down and passing potholes slowly’.
