POTHOLES in west Cheshire will be tackled thanks to new funding from the government.

As part of the Autumn Statement, the Government announced new funding of £1.3 billion over this Parliament to help support infrastructure projects across the UK.

Around £1.1 billion will be spent on reducing congestion and providing upgrades on local roads and public transport networks and a further £220 million will be spent tackling traffic “pinch-points”.

The Cheshire West and Chester Highways maintenance block allocation for 2017/18 is confirmed at £7 million. In addition, there is a pothole funding allocation of £640,000.

It is not yet know how much funding CWAC will receive from the £220 million ‘pinch point fund’ or the £1.1 billion maintenance fund.

A CWAC spokesman said further details for both funds will be announced in due course.

Graham Evans, MP for Weaver Vale, said the pothole funding will come as a ‘welcome news’ to many in the borough.

Mr Evans said: “This investment is great news for families and businesses in Weaver Vale who rely on our roads to get around.

“These schemes are focused on relieving congestion and providing important upgrades to ensure our roads are fit for the future – helping people get from A to B quickly and safely.

“The funding to fix potholes in our area will also be welcome news for local motorists, many of whom have expressed their frustration to me about the state of our roads.

“I’m encouraging the council to make full use of their funding allocation locally. As well as the £640,000 to fix potholes, a further £70 million from the Pothole Fund will also be allocated next year ensuring roads are repaired quickly.

Regional pothole fund allocations are part of £250 million announced in Budget 2015.

The latest investment is on top of the £6 billion the Government is already allocating to councils in England up to 2021 to help improve the condition of the local road network.

Mr Evans said: “Taken together, these measures will help to build a stronger local economy by linking people with jobs, businesses with customers, ensuring a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.”