MORE than £6 million is to be spent fixing potholes on Hampshire’s roads.

The Government announced it has allocated the sum to Hampshire County Council as part of a £168m pot to help repair the country’s roads following damaging winter weather.

Councillor Sean Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment at the county council, said: “I am pleased to see that not only has the Government recognised the extent of the damage to Hampshire’s roads but also that it is reassured the county council can spend this money wisely.

“This £6m comes on top of the £11.5m already awarded, and, I believe, is a reflection of the county council’s commitment to long-term investment in the road network.”

Prime Minister David Cameron said the funds were being given in response to the work already carried out across the county to tackle the problem.

Mr Cameron said: “We have already made an historic investment in Britain’s road network – the biggest since the 1970s – including over £22m set aside for road maintenance in Southampton and Hampshire in this year alone.

“Potholes damage cars, motorbikes and cycles and cost hard-working people money for repairs. Helping fill in potholes is helping hard-working families and we need to do more of it. Hampshire council has shown it is one of the leading areas in the country in its determination to beat potholes, and is receiving extra cash as a result.”

This is the latest in a series of announcements which will see more than £24 billion spent on England’s strategic road network between 2010 and 2021 – the biggest investment in the road network since the 1970s.