Highways boss Kevin Bentley says he wants to improve state of county's roads

Essex County Council have been heavily criticised for the poor condition of streets and pavements in Colchester town centre, including temporary repairs which left Colchester High Street looking like patchwork outside Fenwick.

But Kevin Bentley, who has just taken on the highways portfolio at County Hall, said investments were being made.

He said: "Essex County Council is investing almost £5 million extra this year in highways, because we know it is a priority for our residents.

"This year we are investing almost £5 million extra after a particularly bad winter.

"Much of that will go on fixing potholes, not least in town centres like Colchester, where it’s so important we attract business and consumer spending and that the roads and paving are fit for purpose.

"We are already seeing results.

"Two weeks ago our crews have been out fixing potholes in Colchester town centre, and working on larger, permanent repairs in the High Street that will look better and prevent further potholes forming.

"We have also fixed potholes on St John's Street."

Mr Bentley said it was a juggling act to decide which potholes should be given priority.

He said: "Our highways crews and partner companies can’t do it all at once, there is a lot to catch up after the freezing winter, but we are making progress with the numbers of potholes on the network now steadily reducing.

"During May we have repaired 1,314 potholes on our main road.

"It is of course a never-ending task, with new reports of potholes being added to the list all the time.

"Sometimes, we do have to go and fill in a pothole in a hurry if it is safety-critical.

"It may also be the follow-up permanent repair has to be planned in, because it needs a road closure, and so that will take a while longer.

"Please be assured we have a plan, and indeed a high-tech priority assessment system, to make sure we get to the worst-first and use your money as efficiently as we can."

Portfolio holder - Kevin Bentley

Mr Bentley said he wanted to use the local knowledge of borough and district councils and had made it easier for the authorities to report their worst defects.

He added: "I know only too well potholes can be not just dangerous but also very frustrating, particularly when smaller ones doesn’t get fixed for a while.

"We have the advantage that our highways partner, Ringway Jacobs, has access to new technology and approaches, which we will be seeking to utilise in order to speed up the repair process.

"People understandably grumble when we close a road for resurfacing, but this is a crucial contribution to preventing potholes in the first place, usually for several years – so if this is the case where you live, please do please bear with us.

"A little bit of local pain and inconvenience will be worth it for the long-term gain."

To report potholes go to essex.gov.uk/highways.