ESSEX Councils will launch a blitz of repairs on potholes caused by the freezing weather as soon as the snow melts.

The snow has caused a large increase in potholes across the county, because of water seeping into existing cracks and expanding when it freezes.

The county council is planning a programme of repairs over the coming weeks and is asking residents to report any potholes they come across by calling a hotline.

Alf Partridge, chairman of the Castle Point highways panel, said: “The plan is there will be a blitz of repairs as soon as the snow melts. They will be repaired much quicker if residents report the holes, rather than wait for council officers to drive around and find them.”

St Martin’s ward councillor Pat Rackley complained about a large pothole in Alma Link, Billericay, which she said was not filled properly this week.

She said: “The grit put into it can already be pulled out as a lump from the hole. The council should make sure it fills all these new potholes properly.”

Resident Mitch Smith, 56, of Hillside Road, Billericay, said: “I used to work in the Waitrose car park and can remember the manager of the store complained about a pothole in exactly that same spot a few years back.”

Southend Council is responsible for maintaining its own roads.

Anna Waite, cabinet member for highways, said: “I’ve asked if extra emergency money can be made available from Southend Council’s main kitty to cover the cost of the extra repairs. I’ve also requested money from the Department for Transport.”

Norman Hume, county council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “I am ensuring additional resources have been allocated to deal with issues caused by the winter weather. Our teams of engineers will be working across the county, carrying out repairs as quickly as possible.”

Residents can report potholes through Essex County Council’s website www.essex.gov.uk or by calling 0845 603 7631.

To report a Southend pothole log on to Mrs Waite’s website www.seasidenews.net:80 or call Southend Council on 01702 215003.