GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council is set to spend an extra £1 million on its roads, after hearing the views of the public.

The council found itself with a £1 million underspend, due to careful financial planning, and asked local residents what it should be spent on.

The response was that it should be used to fix the county's road network and so the money will be used for a programme of pothole repairs.

The cash comes on top of £1 million funding from the Department of Transport, meaning a one-off investment of £2 million will be spent on extra highways work this year.

The work will mainly target A and B roads, specifically the ones where potholes are reported most, the ones that have the most reoccurring potholes, and the most-used roads across the county.

The council's cabinet is being asked to approve the funding at its meeting on Wednesday, June 8, with the aim of carrying out the work this summer and autumn in readiness for the winter.

Highways teams will be trialling new machinery over the coming months as well, including mobile asphalt mixers, in an attempt to get a more efficient pothole repair system and stronger repairs.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: “We’re working hard to tackle the potholes and improve the quality of roads in Gloucestershire. We understand this is a priority which is why despite tight finances we are putting more money into getting this right.

"In this difficult financial time, it’s not always possible but our careful financial planning has allowed us to make this one off money available.”

“I am keen to make sure that this funding is used as effectively as possible to prepare our roads this summer and autumn for winter.”

For more information, including how to report a pothole, visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/transport.