Hucknall and surrounding areas edging a step closer to receiving £1million extra a year for maintenance of highways

The campaign by the Ashfield Independents to get an extra £1million a year spent on roads in places like Ashfield, Broxtowe and Mansfield is a step closer to becoming a reality.

This was after the Chairman of a high-level review of how the County deals with its highways confirmed this is being looked at.

Currently, Nottinghamshire County Council allocates money by length of roads and not usage of roads. This has led to areas like Newark and West Bridgford receiving over £1million more a year for the maintenance of highways than places like Ashfield, Broxtowe and Mansfield.

The news came after questions by Hucknall North Councillor John Wilmott at the County Council's

Transport and Environment Committee. Chairman of the committee Councillor Neil Clarke confirmed that the Highway's Review Panel will be '…considering proposals to change the allocation for funding from length of roads to usage of roads.'

Councillor Tom Hollis, spokesperson for the Independent Group on Nottinghamshire County Council welcomed the change of heart. He said: "For the past four years, roads in towns like Newark and West Bridgford have enjoyed grand prix conditions whilst ones in places like Ashfield, Broxtowe and Mansfield would embarrass a third world country.

"The Conservatives talk about levelling up the country – they have failed to even level up the county. The news that they are now considering our proposal is welcome – sometimes it has felt as though we are banging our heads against a brick wall. If the Council agree with the Independents, then it will lead to the extra £1million for our roads a year – something we have campaigned to sort for years. As the representative for the Independent Group on this review panel, I will continue to make the obvious case for funding to be allocated by usage of roads and not length."

Councillor Wilmott said: "By a country mile – the state of our broken roads and pavements is the number one issue I deal with. In Hucknall, the highways are a broken, dangerous mess. This is a result of years of under-investment. I am pleased that our pressure has led to the County Council seriously considering the way they fund improvements to our highways. It just goes to show that when we provide evidence of inequitable investment and the reasons why – we can force the County to re-think the way that highway's funding is allocated. We will continue to bang the drum to get our fair share of highway's funding."

The County Council have also confirmed that the review is also looking at the use of the controversial 'ViaFix' after allegations by Independent Councillors that they are 'botching' road repairs.