AN extra half a million pounds has been set aside to fix potholes on the county’s roads Norman Hume, county councillor for highways maintenance, revealed the extra funds were needed after the damage done by the severe winter.

The money will be taken from other projects in the highways budget where there was a projected underspend, including land acquisition.

Across Essex, roads are still causing problems for motorists due to the continuing cold snap.

Mr Hume said: “Essex has one of the best highways networks in the country and we want to maintain that, so I am ensuring resources have been allocated to deal with issues caused by the recent adverse weather conditions.

“Our teams of engineers are working across the county to carry out as many repairs as possible, in order to keep our roads in the condition that our residents expect and deserve. We have to focus our efforts on areas that present the most immediate safety risks.”

Pat Rackley, 59, who represents St Martin’s ward on Basildon Council, has long called for Essex County Council to carry out urgent repairs, but doesn’t think enough money is being spent.

She said: “I don’t think an extra half a million is enough money. The county council has huge reserves and I think it needs to spend upwards of £5million to get on top of the problem.

“Basildon’s roads have suffered particularly badly from the bad weather because they have been neglected for many years. And it is not just the potholes which are a problem, but also the joints of the roads which are starting to split.”

Cliff Jones, 60, believes the worst-affected road in the county is Grange Road, in Billericay.

Mr Jones, of Norsey View Drive, Billericay, uses the road every day to visit his mum.

He said: “There are hundreds of potholes on there, some three inches deep and a foot wide.

“They have taken the wheel trims off my car twice in the past month. It is dangerous and inconvenient to arrange the repairs.

“I’m glad to hear of the investment. It’s high time the council took action.”

l The council’s policy is that potholes that are 50mm deep or more will be repaired within 28 days.

This could be quicker depending on the position of the pothole and the amount and type of traffic using the road.

Any pothole that is deemed to “represent an immediate or imminent hazard will be repaired or made safe by the end of the next working day from when they are first assessed” according to a county council spokesman.

The council aims to make safe any pothole that is 75mm deep or more within two hours of it being reported.

To report a pothole call Essex County Council on 0845 6037623.