A MEMBER of the Senedd has called on Welsh Government to make more funding available to address issues with potholes in Wrexham.
Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is calling on the Welsh Government to make sure more funding is available to help cash strapped councils fix potholes.
Particular attention was raised about potholes in Wrexham, which has been a longstanding issue in the city.
Earlier this year it was revealed that Wrexham was named among the worst cities in the UK when it comes to potholes.
While last year, an FOI request revealed that Wrexham Council had paid out £150,000 in pothole claims between 2019-21.
Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Rowlands asked for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for transport on council funding for road maintenance and potholes.
Mr Rowlands said: “Last week, the Chancellor made an announcement there will be £500 million extra being made available for local road maintenance in England. Of course, I expect there to be a consequence of the £500 million through to Wales.
“Councils, I'm sure, will be expecting to see that money come through to them to enable them to deliver on those road maintenance and pothole issues.
“I've been made aware by many residents, in Wrexham in particular, who are suffering significant issues due to the potholes in that part of the world. I know they would welcome investment by the local authority in those potholes being dealt with.
“I'd like confirmation from the Cabinet Secretary that consequential funding will come through to deal with these issues, and that that money will pass through to local authorities to tackle these issues.
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Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip, said it was up to the Government to decide how they were going to allocate those consequentials. The draft budget, was being prepared and it will then come to all committees for scrutiny.
Mr Rowlands added: “I do hope that we in Wales will see the benefit of this extra money being provided by the Chancellor and money will be made available to help our cash strapped councils maintain roads and potholes.
“Wrexham Council are well aware of the problems across the county and despite financial constraints are doing their best to deal with the problems. Extra funding is desperately needed to make sure we have roads that are safe for us all to use.”
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We recognise the challenges local authorities are facing and we continue to meet them regularly to discuss these.
“Last week’s UK Budget provided a welcomed investment in Wales, but the position inherited by the Chancellor and the damage inflicted over the last 14 years cannot be turned around in just one budget. It will take time for public finances to recover.
“We are in the process of developing the Draft Budget 2025-26 against the backdrop of a challenging financial situation and it will be published next month.”
Wrexham Council were approached for a comment.
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