Spelthorne potholes to be fixed

Due to the extreme weather, potholes have been springing up across Spelthorne, with Ashford, Stanwell, and Laleham being hit particularly badly.

Andrew McLuskey, resident and campaigner from Diamedes Avenue, in Stanwell, said: "If this money is for the whole of Surrey then it is very modest, and I suppose it is better late than never.

"On Church Road in Ashford there are four very large potholes on the bridge over the railway line, which is a concern to public safety as it is a very busy road. It is good to know Surrey are spending money, and although I'm sure it will go quickly, I hope if it is needed they will give more."

When water is frozen in a crack in the road it expands and causes a pothole, which causes the road to deteriorate quickly.

The council are repairing holes as they are being reported, but fixing A roads has been classed as a priority.

Andrew Povey, leader of the council, said: "Now that most of the snow has cleared, our top priority is to tackle as a mater of urgency the potholes that have been forming all over the county. This extra money is on top of the annual budget for pothole repairs, so it is important we do our bit and find the money to help address the problem."

In the United Kingdom last year, over 950,000 potholes were repaired costing roughly £63 million.

AA president, Edmund King, said: "The pothole season has come early this year. Drivers will be relieved when the snow has gone but shouldn't be complacent. Due to the severe winter, it could be a record year for potholes, a million scars of the worst winter in 30 years. We believe that emergency funding is required to stop the vicious circle of crumbling roads costing more in compensation, accident claims and hospital admissions."