Extent of pothole damage will not be known until winter is over

Damage done to Lincolnshire roads during the winter cold snap is still being assessed, highways officers say.

The overall cost of fixing damage caused by a prolonged period of freezing, thawing and refreezing will almost certainly run into millions of pounds.

Lincolnshire County Council's assistant director for highways and traffic Paul Coathup said that officers would not be able to assess the full extent of the damage caused to road surfaces until after the winter season.

He said that during periods of crippling wintry weather the priority was keeping main roads as clear and safe as feasibly possible.

"If there are any potholes which are considered to be of an emergency nature then we will, of course, deal with them as they occur," he said.

"We will not, however, be able to fill all potholes as sufficient resources will not be available.

"Once the cold spell has dissipated we will concentrate on carrying out emergency repairs as required, and when we get nearer to the end of the winter season we will be carrying out full surveys and assessment work.

"We comply with the Department for Transport's national code of practice which states that the criteria for urgently reacting to a pothole is if it measures at least 40mm in depth and 500mm across.

"When we become aware of such potholes, we will strive to respond and deal with it within our emergency 24-hour pledge."

Park Crescent, in Washingborough, was recently repaired after the surface was severely damaged by ice.

"The ice and snow raised the entire surface up," said resident David Appleby, 61.

"They started last Thursday and finished on Monday.

"I think they've done a decent job but I'm surprised they didn't continue it on to Park Lane.

"In some parts of Park Crescent they haven't covered the entire width of the road – I heard they could not afford to do all of the road because of money problems."

Pot hole damage can be reported by calling ( 01522) 782070.