Local MPs Amber Rudd and Huw Merriman were delighted to see a Budget announcement of a further £420 million of new money being allocated to local highways maintenance, including funding to the local council. Ahead of this winter, the Chancellor, Phillip Hammond, announced this new funding which is the biggest ever single cash injection to improve England’s roads.

As part of this funding, East Sussex will be receiving £4.7 million. This boost will help the council to repair potholes, keep local bridges and structures open and safe, and help with other minor highways works that may be needed. This represents a significant boost in road maintenance and is on top of £950 million that is already being provided to councils across the country this year for local highways maintenance.

Amber Rudd, MP for Hastings and Rye, commented: “I am pleased to see the Budget recognising the importance of maintaining and sustaining our infrastructure. I am hopeful that the additional funding of £4.7 million will help to deliver the safest roads possible to our residents.”

Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill and Battle, said: “I welcome this cash boost from the Government which will help the County Council to repair and make safe our roads in East Sussex. Investment in our roads is essential for the local economy and the safety of our residents. I hope that some of this cash can be used for improvements to road safety outside schools.”

Cllr Keith Glazier, East Sussex County Council leader, said: “Our highways staff do a fantastic job of keeping the county’s roads in good condition all year round, working within our limited resources.

“We very much welcome the announcement of this additional one-off funding, which will enable us to do even more during the current financial year to provide well-maintained, safe roads for motorists.”