County demand for road cash

THE COUNTY council is calling for the Government to provide funds towards fixing Leicestershire roads damaged by this summer’s prolonged heatwave.

Following one of the driest summers on record, the authority has identified sites in need of resurfacing or repair work due to cracking, potholes or defects.

The council, working alongside neighbouring authorities experiencing similar issues, is set to write to the Department of Transport for extra funding which will go towards repairing 56 miles of road which are in need of resurfacing.

A total of £2.25m, generated from recent investments including rents from properties purchased over the last year, has been earmarked to fix the worst hit roads across the county, however, the council says more funds are needed to treat all affected sites.

Coun Blake Pain, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “One of the hottest summers on record has taken its toll on our roads.

“I hope the Government respond to our calls for further funding so we can repair all the roads identified and prevent more issues from occurring in the future. For example, if the cracking is not treated before winter then the frost and snow will make the issue worse.

“We are working hard to resurface identified roads, which will not only prolong their life, but also improve journeys for road users.”

Earlier this year, the authority’s gritters were deployed during the soaring temperatures to try to protect the roads at risk of melting by spreading around 150 tonnes of granite.

Coun Pain added: “It was the first time in a number of years that we have had to carry out dusting on our roads. If the highways team had not gone out during the summer, then the situation would be worse now.”

Temporary measures including warning signs are currently being deployed at sites the council is aware require repair.