AN EXTRA £1.8 million will be spent by Hampshire County Council (HCC) this summer on road improvements.

The investment comes from efficiency savings made during the winter, and will be used on a range of improvements including footway repairs, gully and sign cleaning, renewing road markings and clearing vegetation.

Councillor Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport at HCC, said: "I'm pleased to see that this extra funding is being put to good use right away. The extra investment comes from savings arising from the milder winter this year, which was made available following the county council's cabinet meeting in June."

Extra highways teams will be out making improvements and repairs on urban and rural roads throughout Hampshire, from cross country routes to town centres.

Cllr Humby added: "Good roads are a vital part of Hampshire's infrastructure which support the county's economic prosperity as well as contributing to the quality of life Hampshire residents expect. HCC continues to be one of the top performing county councils when it comes to highways maintenance and is recognised by the Government for best practice.

"Having highways depots operating from all four corners of the county means that our contractor, Amey, can deploy extra gangs out on the road network quickly, in the right place at the right time, making the most of the money we have for Hampshire's residents and businesses."

Any issues on the highway can be reported to HCC via hants.gov.uk/roadproblems or by calling 0300 555 1388.