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Ipswich MP Jack Abbott and Suffolk County Council have offered contrasting views on new road repair funding announced by the government. While Abbott welcomes a "huge funding uplift", the council emphasises the need to understand allocation details before making commitments.
Why it matters: With drivers encountering an average of six potholes per mile according to the RAC, road repairs are a pressing concern for Ipswich residents. The AA reports that fixing potholes is a priority for 96% of drivers, with repair costs averaging £500 per vehicle.
The big picture: The funding is part of a £1.6 billion national programme announced by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to tackle potholes across England. The government says the investment could help councils fix up to seven million potholes next year.
What they're saying: "Speaking to drivers and other road users right across our town, I know just how much people are fed up with our broken roads after years of failure," says Ipswich MP Jack Abbott.
"There can be no more excuses – from April this year, our county will get £44 million – a whopping £11.7 million more than last year – to purge the potholes."
Yes, but: Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for operational highways, is more cautious: "Whilst we welcomed the announcement of additional funding a month ago, we are still yet to receive notification from the Department for Transport with detail on what this allocation includes as it would also appear to include the Network North funding announced by the previous government that was already part of our plans."
Between the lines: The council points out that the funding covers all highway assets – including footways, bridges, drainage and streetlights – not just pothole repairs.
What's next: The council says it will continue its existing "targeted and enhanced programmes of resurfacing, surface dressing and pothole repairs in Ipswich and across Suffolk" while awaiting detailed guidance from the Department for Transport.
The bottom line: While new funding has been promised, questions remain about exactly how and when the money will be allocated, and what proportion can be dedicated specifically to tackling Ipswich's pothole problem.
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