Pot-holes could cost us an extra £1m

Powys County Council has warned tax payers that the operation to fill the county’s pot-holes could cost an extra £1m.

 

The extent of the problem has been revealed after the Welsh Assembly Government this week handed the council an extra £500,000 to help tackle the mess on the roads left by the Arctic freeze.

 

It was part of a contingency fund for £7m made available to also buy extra road salt but large chunks of it has already been spent on propping up reserves.

 

It has prompted a senior Council Highways official to warn that while the full investigation to assess the damage is still ongoing, they will need a lot more cash.

 

Cllr Geraint Hopkins, said: “We did receive an extra £500,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government for road repairs. Whilst we are grateful for this extra money, the amount we will require will exceed this. We are currently assessing the full extent of damage and the cost of remedial work.

 

“The sustained cold snap resulted in damage to roads and repair work has started. We have staff carrying out regular inspections but we also urge residents to report any dangerous potholes.

 

“Some areas may need resurfacing, which will take longer to complete. However we are looking at bringing in extra workforce to help.”

 

The roads have been left in a sorry state following the worst winter in living memory which saw temperatures plunge to as low as -18 in Powys.