Helena Dollimore, the Labour and Co-operative MP for Hastings, Rye, and surrounding villages, has warmly welcomed new funding commitments to tackle the worsening pothole issue.
Fixing local potholes has been a key issue for the MP, having drawn attention to the scale of the problem facing the area in her maiden speech to Parliament.
Local roads in the area are notorious for severe potholes, causing vehicle damage and accidents, with some areas ranked among the most dangerous in the UK.
According to the Asphalt Industry Alliance, 44% of the South East’s roads are in need of repair, with a total cost estimated at £2 billion.
In Wednesday's Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves pledged an additional £500 million to repair local roads over the next year, raising the total budget for pothole repairs to over £1.5 billion. That’s nearly a 50% increase over the previous allocation under the previous Conservative government.
"This uplift will benefit countless working people locally who will be able to keep hundreds of pounds in their pockets, rather than having to pay for repairs to their cars as a result of potholes,” Helena said.
As well as acknowledging that safer roads will make walking, cycling, and driving easier for all, Helena has also emphasised the relief this funding will bring to local drivers, who have faced often unaffordable repair costs from vehicle damage due to potholes.
The funding boost will go directly to local councils, including those responsible for Hastings, Rye, and nearby villages, allowing them to not only fix existing damage but also strengthen roads to prevent future potholes.
East Sussex County Councillor Godfrey Daniel echoed Helena’s sentiments, saying, “Thank goodness we have a government taking this serious problem seriously at last. I urge our county council to put this funding to use as soon as possible.”
The pothole crisis in Hastings has even inspired a Facebook group, “Hastings Potholes - The Great Zig-zag Drive,” where locals share updates on road conditions and vehicle damages.
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