Residents across the East Riding of Yorkshire are set to see a significant improvement in the condition of their local roads following a decision by the council to increase the highways budget.
The move, aimed at addressing a widespread "pothole epidemic," also includes a dedicated fund to help local communities host traditional events by subsidising the costs of road closures.
Council leader Councillor Anne Handley confirmed that suggestions the highways budget should be reduced have been rejected in favour of an investment strategy supported by multiple political groups. According to Councillor Handley, this injection of funds is a direct response to the concerns raised by both representatives and the public regarding the state of the region's infrastructure.
Beyond the physical repairs to the tarmac, the council is also making a concerted effort to foster community spirit. Recognising that the high price of administrative road closures has forced many long-standing traditions to be abandoned, a new financial allocation has been created to ensure that small town and village celebrations can return to the local calendar.
Councillor Handley emphasized the importance of these changes for the region, stating:
"Not only have we stopped attempts to cut a highways budget by 250,000. As leader, I have listened to all councillors, particularly the Liberal Democrats who have asked for an extra cash injection of £60,000 into our highways and I am delighted that we are able to accommodate this.
I have also listened to the Conservative group who have agreed to increase increase that to 220,000 for highways, which equates to a further 4,400 potholes filled".
Addressing the specific support for local festivities, Councillor Handley added:
"Listening to our residents, we have been told that many small villages and town events have not gone ahead because of the costs of road closures.
We recognize the importance of community spirit and local celebrations. That's why £20,000 has been set aside to facilitate necessary road closures for villages and town events.
Hopefully, we can now start to see again those Events that have been cancelled due to costs".
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