Somerset Council has announced a £5 million investment over the next three years aimed at addressing “high-visibility” maintenance issues across the county’s road network. Approved by the council’s executive committee on April 1, the initiative focuses on clearing gullies, trimming vegetation, repairing damaged signs, and repainting road markings.
The council plans to allocate £2 million to these improvements in the current financial year, with an additional £3 million earmarked for subsequent years. This new funding replaces a previously committed £350,000 from the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) for gully clearing, which will now be redirected.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, emphasized the importance of responding to residents’ concerns: “While safety remains paramount, the daily, visible condition of our roads and pathways matters deeply to our communities. This enhanced programme allows us to address faded road markings, overgrown footways, blocked drains, and broken signs swiftly and effectively.”
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Half of the initial £2 million comes from last year’s budget underspend, with the remainder from this year’s approved budget. Vegetation management will be handled in-house, whereas gully clearing and road markings on major roads will be contracted to Keir under the existing maintenance agreement. Additional funds will also support litter clearance and graffiti removal, considering input from parish and town councils.
Mike O’Dowd-Jones, the council’s service director for infrastructure and transport, highlighted the expanded focus: “Traditionally, our funding has targeted safety-critical repairs. This new programme lets us address broader maintenance tasks, including proactive gully emptying in flood-prone areas.”
Over the next 12 months, around 65,000 additional gullies will be cleared, prioritizing zones vulnerable to severe flooding events. Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning, and assets, noted the value of maintaining public spaces: “Investments in active travel routes mean little if those routes quickly become obstructed by unmanaged hedges and verges.”
Somerset Council also plans to enhance its public reporting system, making it easier for residents to report issues. However, when questioned about addressing potholes, Councillor Sarah Wakefield raised concerns over inconsistent repairs frustrating the public. Councillor Wilkins clarified, “This funding does not cover pothole repairs. Nonetheless, we continuously assess how to manage pothole repairs effectively. Compared to other councils, our road conditions are relatively better.”
According to a Department for Transport ranking released in January, Somerset Council stands 26th out of 153 local authorities, receiving an overall amber rating for road maintenance funding effectiveness.