Esther McVey has issued a stark warning to councils to fill pot holes and resurface the roads following a multi-million pound injection of new government money.
The Tatton MP said there was “absolutely no excuse” for the repairs not to be done given the extra money being awarded to local councils.
Councils across the country will receive a share of £8.3 billion to resurface thousands of miles of roads.
Cheshire East will be handed £110.7 million by 2033/34 with £1.658 million coming this financial year and the same amount the following year. Cheshire West and Chester will receive nearly £84.3 million with £1.26 million coming this year and next, according to the Department for Transport figures.
Ms McVey said: “This is a massive investment into our roads and additional money that councils were not expecting. It must be put to good use and allocated quickly so residents can see an improvement. Given the size of this investment and the fact it is additional money, there is absolutely no excuse for repairs not to be carried out.
“Pot holes are a blight to communities and I am constantly raising constituents’ concerns with both local councils and the wider issue of pot holes and road repairs with government.
“I have written to both councils requesting the criteria that will be used to decide which roads are prioritised. I want to ensure Tatton receives a fair share of this new government funding.”
Transport Minister Mark Harper said: “Most people travel by road and potholes can cause misery for motorists, from expensive vehicle repairs to bumpy, slow, and dangerous journeys. Our £8.3 billion boost to repair roads across the country shows that we are on the side of drivers.
“This biggest-ever funding uplift for local road improvements is a victory for all road users, who will enjoy smoother, faster and safer trips – as we use redirected HS2 funding to make the right long-term decisions for a brighter future.”
Government said the funding comes on top of the local transport, road and rail budgets allocated at the last Spending Review and in addition to what local authorities were already expecting for the next decade.
