Wirral Council given £17million boost to fix potholes
WIRRAL has been awarded £17m of Government funding to repair the the borough's pothole-riddled roads.
The award is among 115 across the country to get a share of nearly £6 billion over the next six years.
Councillor Stuart Whittingham, Wirral’s cabinet member for highways, said: “The allocation of funding over six years reflects our own view that longer term programmes are essential, and knowledge of the funding arrangements over that period will allow us to plan more effectively.
“I am pleased that innovation will finally be recognised in allocating funding.
“Our plans for longer term programming of maintenance and continuing to develop our asset management approach to the highway network will mean that we are well placed to receive a good share of the Innovation Funding.”
The money will help English local authorities tackle potholes and improve local roads between 2015 and 2021.
A succession of severe winters and the devastating floods earlier this year have left councils playing catch-up with road maintenance.
Announcing the funding, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the money would be enough to fix around 18m potholes.
Of the total package, just over £4.7 billion will be shared between 115 councils, while councils will be able to bid for a further £575m in total available for the repair and maintenance of local highway infrastructure such as junctions, bridges and street lighting.
Mr McLoughlin also announced that £578m had been set aside for an incentive fund scheme which will start in 2016 to reward councils who demonstrate they are delivering value for money in carrying out cost-effective improvements.
Mr 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. This huge investment is part of our long-term economic plan to ensure we have a transport network fit for the 21st century.”
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