Cllr Carol Runciman is campaigning for better roads in Huntington and New Earswick

Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that the Government is to invest £12million to tackle potholes in York.

The Department for Transport has announced a total of £6billion of funding nationally to improve local roads between 2015 and 2021. The investment amounts to £976million a year, enough to fix around 18 million potholes across the country. Under the plans, York will see £11.8million invested over the next 6 years starting in 2015/16.

Welcoming the news Cllr Keith Aspden, Lib Dem Group Leader in York, commented:

“We have long called for greater funding for local roads so I welcome today’s annocument that York is to benefit from nearly £12million of government investment.

“This will go some way to reversing the damage done by the Labour Council in York who have cut funding for road repairs year after year. These cuts have seen the number of potholes on our roads increase and compensation claims against the council rise.

“At least the Coalition Government seems to understand the importance of good local roads. I am also pleased that under the plans, local councils who demonstrate they are delivering value for money in carrying out improvements will be rewarded.

“I now hope that City of York Council will consult with residents to ensure that this national investment is spent in an effective way locally.”

Information:

Details of the announcement and York’s allocation can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/6-billion-funding-to-tackle-potholes-and-improve-local-roads