A £3.5 MILLION cash injection from Government is being hailed as a ‘much-needed boost’ for Northwich and Winsford's roads.

The Department for Transport announced this week that Cheshire West and Chester Council would receive the funding to repair roads and invest in small safety, bus priority or walking and cycling schemes.

CWAC says that the additional funds will add to its existing highways resurfacing programme, which has already seen 112 miles of roads be repaired in the past 18 months.

The cash will also be used to repair potholes that will develop over the coming winter months, and to slow deterioration of the borough’s roads.

Cllr Karen Shore, cabinet member for environment, said: “This additional funding is a welcomed and much needed boost to our highways service and we will ensure that the funding is spent as efficiently and effectively as possible.

“Our highways team has recently also secured band three funding from the Department of Transport, the highest level possible, due to the high standards of asset management we demonstrated in our application.

“Asset management principles focus on the prevention of further deterioration and ensure that Cheshire West’s road network is kept running smoothly for residents and visitors.”

CWAC cabinet members endorsed a new ‘asset management’ code of practice for road repairs in September, which will bring the council in line with recent Government guidelines.

It is designed to prioritise higher quality repairs on roads which pose the biggest risk, such as frequently-used roads – while it also strengthens the council’s defence against any third party claims on pothole damage.

That comes after the number of complaints about potholes in the borough almost tripled in 2017-18 compared to the year before – from 3,882 to 10,189.

The £3.5 million set for Cheshire West’s roads is part of the £420 million package for road improvement in England announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond last month.

Neighbouring Cheshire East Council is set to receive £4.6 million, while Warrington Borough Council will get £1.4 million.

Cllr Lynn Riley, leader of CWAC’s Conservative opposition, added: “I am delighted that Cheshire and Warrington will be receiving this £9.5 million funding boost to improve roads, keeping hardworking people and businesses moving. Government is clearly listening to local economies like ours.

“This additional new funding represents a significant boost in road maintenance and is on top of £900 million that the Government already provides to councils across the country for local highways maintenance.”