The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Lincolnshire is to receive an extra £9million from central government to improve roads and tackle potholes.
The funding is part of a £6billion national package announced last week which is to be given out over the next six years to maintain the country’s road network.
Of this funding, £4.7billion will be allocated according to a needs-based formula, with £580million to incentivise good asset management and efficiencies, and £575million reserved for a challenge fund for large one-off maintenance and renewal projects.
Coun Richard Davies, executive councillor for highways and transportation at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The Department for Transport has announced additional funding of £5.8bn, over the next five years, to improve local roads across the UK.
“Lincolnshire has received the largest amount of funding in the East Midlands, with just over £161m to renew, repair and extend the life of our roads.
“This is welcome news for us, and this year’s extra funding, £9million, will increase our road maintenance budget significantly to just over £31m for 2015/16.
“This money will help us to repair potholes, which we prioritise by repairing the ones which aim to protect the greatest number of people first.
“The extra funding will make a noticeable difference in repairing the county’s roads, and part of it will be used to permanently repair the worst potholes.”
Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, said: “Roads play a significant part in everyday life.
“Poorly maintained local roads, blighted by potholes, are a menace to all road users, particularly during the festive period as people travel to see family and friends.
“It is vital we have good quality roads.
“The £540million I am announcing today for the East Midlands will put an end to short term fixes and will mean we have committed £10 billion between 2010 and 2021.
“This huge investment is part of our long term economic plan to ensure we have a transport network fit for the 21st century.”
