A major road in Newton Aycliffe is set for a resurfacing after intervention from local Liberal Democrat councillors and additional council investment into highways repairs.
Westmorland Way, which has seen patching and pothole repair works over the last decade, is to be properly resurfaced.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Nev Jones, says, “We are delighted that this road, which is in such a horrendous condition, is getting improvements. For years our roads have not had the investment they deserve. When we took over running the council with councillors from other parties we agreed to put more money into road repairs than ever before. Westmorland Way is one of numerous roads in a poor condition. The government never gives enough money for highway repairs to local councils. However, when Labour ran the County Council they failed to invest enough money too.
The joint administration running Durham County Council is investing millions of pounds more into roads and pavement repairs after reviewing reserves which Liberal Democrat councillors say was simply left for no reason.
Fellow Liberal Democrat Councillor, Michael Stead, comments, “We secured over £13 million extra funding when we took over the council. This is now being spent on proper repairs so that we don’t have to keep chucking tarmac down left, right and centre.”
In the national budget this month a further £2.6 million was provided to Durham County Council for pothole repairs.
Liberal Democrat councillors say this is not enough to fix the decades-long backlog but is welcome funding.
Councillor Nev Jones adds, “We are asking that funding is directed to as many proper schemes as possible. We recognise the need for emergency repairs, but when Labour ran the council it seemed like potholes were being filled and refilled over and over again. This needs to stop by doing things better, using the extra funding we have secured, but also by the government providing more funding too.