Mayor Moves to Tackle Roads Damage Caused by Big Freeze

10.20.00am GMT Sat 16th Jan 2010

The big freeze has taken a heavy toll on the condition of local roads, and Mayor Dave Hodgson is taking urgent action to tackle the problem

With the prolonged cold snap having taken a heavy toll on the condition of some of Bedford Borough's roads, Mayor Dave Hodgson has moved to ensure that immediate remedial action is taken as soon as the conditions allow by allocating £200,000 in emergency funds.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "The extended period of freezing weather has had a damaging effect on the condition of roads here in the Borough, as it has across the country, and urgent action is required to address this. I have asked for £200,000 from reserves to be allocated for the worst affected areas and work will commence as soon as the weather improves.'

Cllr Charles Royden Environment and Transport Portfolio Holder added: "Many roads across the Borough have been resurfaced following the extra million pounds put in the budget last year by the Liberal Democrats. However, there is much more work to be done after years of chronic underfunding by the former Conservative County Council. The Mayor has allocated £200,000 from reserves immediately to tackle the effects of the current cold weather on our roads to ensure our ongoing fight back against this neglect stays on track. I will do my very best to target resources and deliver improvements as quickly as possible."

Local authorities across the country are reporting problems with the conditions of local roads during the extended period of cold weather, due to water getting into the road, freezing and then expanding. This breaks up the road surface and can cause significant surface damage and potholes.