GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council is applying for up to £15million in Government support to repair the county's roads following the recent wet weather and flooding.

The bid to the Government’s Severe Weather Recovery Scheme, which was announced today as part of the budget discussions at Shire Hall this morning by council leader Mark Hawthorne, will be determined by the Government in the coming months.

The money will help to pay for weather damage, including to the eight potential landslips across Gloucestershire.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne said: "This is the biggest rescue package for Gloucestershire roads that we’ve pursued since 2007.

"We’ve spent a considerable amount of money since 2007 protecting Gloucestershire homes and businesses from flooding, which has helped a great deal, but there has still been very considerable damage to our roads.

"David Cameron has seen some of that damage for himself and I know, from speaking to him, that he is championing the needs of flood hit communities like Gloucestershire.”

Councillor Vernon Smith, Cabinet Member for Roads and Flooding, added: “The wet weather has caused massive damage to our road network. "That isn’t just the big damage caused by landslips, or by flooded roads. A very wet weather is actually more damaging to roads than frost, causing potholes and defects.

"We’re looking for help to address as many of these issues as possible. We’re hopeful of a positive response from the Government.”