Action fund plan to beat potholes

PLANS have been unveiled for a National Pothole Action Fund aimed at tackling badly damaged roads - and it could hugely benefit this region. The proposed fund from the Scottish Conservatives would provide councils with dedicated, long-term support to resurface roads properly, shifting away from short-term repairs that continually fail. South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy has backed the proposals, saying poor road conditions have become a daily frustration for residents and businesses across the region. And he pointed out rural areas are often left waiting longest for repairs despite relying most heavily on car travel. Mr Hoy said: “Dumfries and Galloway roads are riddled with nightmare potholes after years of chronic SNP cuts to council budgets. Hard-pressed residents are sick of driving on roads that feel like the surface of the moon because the local council simply doesn’t have the resources to fix them. It’s damaging cars, putting safety at risk and costing people their hard-earned money. “That’s why my the Scottish Conservatives’ set out a bold plan for a National Pothole Action Fund, giving councils the resources they need to properly fix roads with comprehensive kerb-to-kerb resurfacing, not just shoddy patch jobs.” He added: “This common-sense proposal would make roads safer, cut vehicle damage and save councils and taxpayers money in the long run.”