The Government announced over £200 million for councils across England to assist in repairing roads and potholes – enough to resurface an extra 1,000 miles of road.

 As part of the Government’s £6.6 billion investment in roads, this announcement includes £50 million for potholes and flood resilience as well as £151 million to reward examples of councils’ best practice in road repairs.

Clitheroe Town Mayor Pam Dowson and Sue Hind, both Ribble Valley  Borough Councillors welcomed the funding.

Sue Hind commented ''The Ribble Valley has more roads than any other authority in Lancashire as the biggest geographical borough. Our share of this money which will come from the Highways Authority at Lancashire County Council will be properly used to improve many of our roads in the Valley.  

Pam Dowson suggested '' Get in touch with your local councillors who will press the County to focus on some of the worst areas of our roads to use their new machines to fill the potholes and where needed to resurface the road. Every motorist knows that potholes have been a problem in the last few years which is why the Government is continuing to increase funding for Local authorities and Councils. They can then make our roads safer, and come up with solutions that best suit our communities.'' 

Funding will also be used in early stage research into new surface materials or pothole repair techniques, such as 3D printing. A digital hub will be set up for experts to share and develop innovations.

In the Autumn Budget, £420 million was announced for resurfacing, pothole repairs and bridge renewals, and residents are already beginning to see the results, with several local authorities buying pothole repair machines such as Dragon Patchers and Jet Patchers.