A Hertfordshire county councillor has launched a dedicated pothole repair fund aimed at fixing more damaged roads across villages on the outskirts of Hitchin.

Councillor Ralph Muncer is using money from his £95,000 Highways Locality Budget to prioritise pothole repairs in his division, which includes Knebworth, Codicote, Kimpton, St Ippolyts and the Wymondleys.

The initiative is intended to target potholes on local roads and country lanes, particularly those that residents say are causing problems but do not currently qualify for repair under Hertfordshire County Council's existing criteria.

Announcing the scheme, Cllr Muncer said: "Every day, thousands of us drive to go about our day-to-day lives and the last thing we need to worry about is getting a puncture or sustaining damage to our cars because of potholes.

"Potholes are the most visible sign of the Council failing to get the basics right and whilst the Liberal Democrat administration has implemented a £12 million cut to highways funding this year, I'm determined to ensure residents in our villages don't suffer as a result.

"That's why I've launched my pothole repair fund which will enable more potholes on our local roads and country lanes to be fixed, particularly those which cause significant concern amongst our communities, yet when reported, residents are frequently told they 'don't meet the criteria for repair under current Council policy'."

The funding will come from the councillor's annual Highways Locality Budget, which allows county councillors to support transport and highway improvements in their local areas.

The announcement comes as potholes remain one of the most common concerns raised by motorists across Hertfordshire, with many residents calling for quicker repairs to roads damaged by heavy traffic and changing weather conditions.

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Residents in the affected villages are expected to see additional repairs carried out as projects are identified and prioritised through the new fund.