Flintshire County Council has acquired a machine to help tackle potholes.

The JCB Pot-Hole Pro will help the council carry out road repairs more efficiently and at a lower cost.

It is part of the council's strategy to make the best use of its money as it faces financial pressures and budget cuts.

The machine is part of the council's 'invest to save' initiative, which aims to make longer-term savings and efficiencies in the short term.

The machine is expected to not only reduce the risk of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) for workers but also provide more permanent repairs than traditional manual methods.

Councillor Glyn Banks, cabinet member for streetscene and transportation, said: "Investments like this are essential to modernising services and ensuring that we can continue to maintain and improve our infrastructure in the most cost-effective way possible, despite the challenges presented by budget cuts.

"We believe that through careful planning and investment in innovation, we can achieve a more sustainable and efficient future for Flintshire."

READ MORE:

Carolyn Thomas, Member of the Senedd for North Wales, added: "It is great to see Flintshire County Council utilising innovative solutions such as Pothole Pro to maintain highways across the county.

"Local authorities like Flintshire have a wealth of knowledge and expertise on highway matters, built up over many years, which is why I am so keen to see Welsh Government highway funding further devolved to local authorities.

"This would give councils like Flintshire more control over how they spend the money they’re given, providing them with greater opportunities to use their knowledge and expertise to ensure residents get the best value for money, as well as the best solutions to maintaining highways."

The machine's advanced capabilities will lead to more durable road repairs, reducing the frequency of potholes and extending the lifespan of the county's roads.

That will not only mean smoother and safer travel for residents but also result in significant cost savings by minimising the need for ongoing repairs.

Residents may have already seen the new machine out and about throughout the summer.

The Pot-Hole Pro has been in use around Flintshire since April, including the A451 at Rhosesmor, Star Crossing at Cilcain, Tesco roundabouts in Mold, sections of the A548 and Brynford Street in Holywell, and more recently Caerwys Hill.