Pothole funding for Leeds

The Department for Transport’s Pothole Action fund has awarded £541,847 to Leeds City Council for 2019/20.

The additional funding will be used to deal with stretches of road that have suffered repeated problems or that have the potential to develop into potholes.

Troy Road to Haigh Wood Road in Horsforth is one of the areas to be included for works. Some of the funding will also be spent on two lanes to Whitecross Roundabout on the A65 Bradford Road in Guiseley.

Horsforth councillor Jonathan Taylor said: “I am pleased the Government has recognised the need for better road surfaces in Leeds and that Horsforth will receive a share of this new money that will complement the work we are already doing in the ward.

“Cllrs Collins, Shemilt and I have successfully worked to pressure Leeds City Council to bring forward the major resurfacing of Church Road in Horsforth that was earmarked for attention in the next few years and we will continue to push for more improvements to roads in our area following what we consider to be years of under investment.”

A Leeds City Council report said: “The 2015 Autumn Statement announced the establishment of the Pothole Action Fund of £250 million which will provide funding over the following five years. The DfT have calculated that this fund will repair approximately one million potholes each year.”

It adds: “The allocation for Leeds for 2019/20 is £541,847 which is estimated to be able to repair 10,207 potholes although emphasis has been put on preventing the potholes from forming, as the council has already set aside a budget for dealing with potholes reported to the council that require quick attention.”

It adds: “Due to the limited size of the funding received this year, it has not been be possible to provide works in every ward. Ward members for the affected wards will be informed as to any locations included within this programme of works.”

The Horsforth and Guiseley schemes are among 17 around the city.