Problem potholes filled in Staffordshire thanks to £5m project

The authority spent £5 million in 2017-18 which chiefs said helped repair 35,000 potholes – compared to the 20,000 which would be fixed in a typical year.

Yesterday, county council bosses backed plans to spend the same amount in 2018-19 to continue to tackle the problem.

The cash for road repairs has been revealed as part of the authority's latest budget, which will see council tax increased by 5.95 per cent.

What do councillors say about the problem potholes?

Council leader Philip Atkins said potholes needed fixing as 'good roads are important to a successful and strong economy'.

Councillor Atkins added: "Although our highways crews have been focusing on keeping us safely on the move after a chilly start to February, they will soon be turning their attention to tackling potholes across the county, which of course are always more noticeable at this time of year due to the impact of the weather.

"Last year we invested an extra £5 million to tackle potholes alone and repaired 35,000 compared to 20,000 in a typical year.

"So, despite the financial challenges, I can confirm that we will once again be investing a further £5 million in this coming year and our highways teams will be out in force once again from the spring."

Figures revealed in the Express & Star last year showed how a total of 11,256 potholes were reported across the county in 2016-17, with the authority shelling out £117,238 in compensation payouts.

Hotspots include Five Ways Island in Heath Hayes, where £220,000 has been spent on resurfacing the road.

Other budget plans

The council tax rise of 5.95 per cent includes a three per cent 'ring-fenced precept to be spent on social care – and means an overall rise of around £1.30 per week in county council tax on a Band D property.

As part of the budget, bosses have also agreed to invest £310 million this year on care of the elderly, people with learning disabilities and children in our care.

They have also vowed to roll out the Smart Staffordshire digital programme and 'encourage a programme of housing development to support growth and investment in the county'.

Mike Sutherland, cabinet member for finance, said: "While nobody likes to pay more, Staffordshire still has the third lowest county council tax in the country, and there simply comes a time when we all have to do a little more and pay a little more to support those who depend on our help the most.

"Over the coming years we will help continue to reshape public services, encourage less demand on the public purse and will work with Government to address long term funding issues for both social care and for supporting children in the council’s care.”