‘Money is welcome but won’t go far enough’

Motorists can hope pothole problems on Devon’s roads will ease, thanks to a planned £1.9million spend on repairs.

Devon County Council (DCC) announced proposals for a programme of repairs across the region this week, with a focus on the fast deteriorating rural routes and areas of most need.

Sidmouth and Sidford are expected to share £15,447 of the overall pot, while Ottery St Mary rural ward has been allocated £41,918.

The county was awarded £1,952,000 from the Government’s Pothole Action Fund earlier this year and has also received £41,155 of capital funding from the Department for Transport.

DCC highways boss Councillor Stuart Hughes said: “While the additional money is welcome, it won’t stretch as far as we would like.

“However, it’s an opportunity to address some parts of the lower category road network.

“The shortfall in funding from central government for our roads means that minor, rural roads are continuing to deteriorate.

“We are ensuring that this funding is used as efficiently as possible right across the county to patch up as many potholes as we possibly can.”

The authority says additional funding for areas has then been calculated using pothole frequency data to ensure more money is directed to areas of most need.

Representatives are invited to discuss proposals with their local highways officer and they will have the opportunity to propose alternative schemes within the allocated budget.

Once the finalised programme has been agreed later this year, it will be published on DCC’s website and work will be completed this financial year.