Urgent work on potholes

More than 850 potholes in the Wyre Forest district and the rest of Worcestershire have needed emergency repairs following the recent cold snap.

Teams of highways workers have been assigned to inspect roads since the freeze kicked in, and have been repairing defects caused by the bad weather.

A dozen teams worked over the weekend to mend 350 holes throughout the county.

Worcestershire County Council cabinet member Councillor Derek Prodger said more repairs would be carried out this week.

He added: "The potholes which have appeared in recent weeks are an unavoidable consequence of the bad weather we have experienced, and similar problems are being faced right across the country.

"We understand the public want these potholes dealt with as soon as possible, which is why we have assigned extra manpower to the cause.

"Our teams have been working flat out repairing defects on our roads triggered by the bad weather.

"We are continuing to send gangs out to repair potholes across the county.

"We had 12 gangs working over the weekend who, thanks to the mainly dry conditions, were able to repair over 350 potholes.

"After the severe weather conditions we suffered last year, we have planned and budgeted for this contingency this year, and our road repair programme is continuing apace.

"We would also like to remind the public that if they see any potholes to please report them to us as soon as possible through the county council's website www.worcestershire.gov.uk/transport or by calling the Worcestershire Hub on 0845 6072005."

Teams were working overtime gritting the roads around the clock during the cold snap. Crews were out at 4am to treat primary routes.

The cost of repairs needed because of the bad weather is still being assessed.