Council bill for pothole damage up to £16,000

Compensation for cars damaged by potholes and people tripping on uneven pavements has soared by almost 1,300 per cent in Wolverhampton in a year.

New figures reveal that more than £16,000 was paid out by the city council in 2010/11 compared to £1,200 the previous year.

Click on the image on the right to see more of Wolverhampton's potholes.

Among the major routes damaged by the weather is Willenhall Road, which is in the throes of two weeks of resurfacing works.

Last Wednesday the Government announced it was giving local authorities in England a share of an extra £100m to repair potholes caused by last winter's freeze.

Large cracks and holes opened up along routes including Birmingham New Road, Compton Road and Tettenhall Road.

A £1.85 million operation to repair nearly 600 potholes in Staffordshire is also under way.

Wolverhampton City Council spokesman Tim Clark said an explanation for the increase could be down to two of the most severe winters on record.

Are you having problems with potholes in Wolverhampton? Email: Newsdesk@expressandstar.co.uk