The Executive Committee of Scottish Borders Council has approved proposals and budget provision for addressing the winter damage to roads in the Scottish Borders.

A total provision of £3.615 million has been allocated to carry out repairs to the roads network in 2010/11.

This is comprised of an additional capital provision of £1.78 million in 2010/11, and a further prioritised allocation of £1.835 million from the existing Roads Revenue and Capital budgets.

A thorough programme of inspection has found that the damage to roads includes cracking surfaces, edge deterioration, structural failure and potholes. A programme of remedial work has been produced to carry out permanent repairs during the summer months, and there will be an ongoing programme of ‘make safe’ temporary repairs.

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There is insufficient funding in this financial year to complete all the permanent repairs required. As a result, priority will be given to high speed roads where a defective surface may increase the risk of an accident. Remedial work will be prioritised to A-C Class roads, then B-Class roads and towns and villages, and then C and D Class routes.

The detailed programme of works will be presented to Area Committees to make them aware of which routes and towns are being treated.

Jim Fullarton, Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, said: “I am happy to approve the £3.615 million funding for the road repairs which officers have planned for the summer months. "We will prioritise the permanent repairs with the busiest roads first, however it will take several years to permanently repair all of the winter damage and we would ask the public to be patient whilst our officers work in a priority order.”

(GK)