Work to resurface Westmorland Way in Newton Aycliffe has started. This follows intervention from local Liberal Democrat councillors and additional council investment into highways works.
Westmorland Way, which has seen patching and pothole repair works over the last decade, is being properly resurfaced. Work was programmed so it could be carried out during the school holidays to reduce disruption.
Councillor Nev Jones, says, “We are delighted that work has started on this road. It’s been in such a horrendous condition. For years our roads have not had the investment they deserve. When we took over running the council with councillors from other parties we agreed to put more money into road repairs than ever before.”
Westmorland Way is one of numerous roads in a poor condition. The government never gives enough money for highway repairs to local councils. However, when Labour ran the County Council they failed to invest enough money too.
The joint administration running Durham County Council is investing millions of pounds more into roads and pavement repairs after reviewing reserves which Liberal Democrat councillors say was simply left for no reason.
Councillor Michael Stead, comments. “The start of proper resurfacing work on Westmorland Way is great news for our town. Proper repairs so that we don’t have to keep chucking tarmac down left, right and centre is the right thing to do.”
The government provided a further £2.6 million to Durham County Council for pothole repairs earlier this year. Liberal Democrat councillors say this is not enough to fix the decade-long backlog but is welcomed funding.
Councillor Nev Jones, added, “We recognise there needs to be emergency repairs, but when Labour ran the council it seemed like potholes were being filled and refilled over and over again. This needs to stop by doing things better and by the government providing more funding too.”
Photo: Town Councillor Jo Jones with County Councillors Nev Jones and Michael Stead and the state of the road before work started.