Local Lib Dems welcome investment to end 'pothole city' tag

12.00.00am GMT Tue 25th Mar 2008

Lib Dems have welcomed investment to repair potholes in roads and shoddy pavements

The Liberal Democrat Group on Sheffield City Council have welcomed the news that the Government has accepted the Council's bid to repair all the roads and pavements in Sheffield. Lib Dems have supported the bid from the start and they even sent a signed letter of support to the Transport Minister urging that Sheffield's bid be accepted.

The announcement means that there will be more than half a billion pounds investment available to repair Sheffield's roads and pavements from 2010 through a Private Finance Initiative (PFI). The massive project will take more than 10 years to complete.

Presently Sheffield's road network is amongst the worst in the country for potholes due to neglect by the Council over money years. However, this investment gives Sheffield the opportunity to get rid of it's 'pot hole city' tag.

Liberal Democrats are hailing the successful bid as an example of the Council working together on the important issues. Lib Dems have concerns over the nature of PFI deal in general and would much rather the Government provided Sheffield with investment upfront.

Cllr Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Sheffield City Council, said: -

"This is great news for Sheffield. I'm delighted that, as a result of cross-party support, the Government accepted our bid. This shows that when it comes to such an important issue for Sheffield, both major parties on the Council can put political differences aside and work together."

"But this announcement is just the first step on a long road, if you excuse the pun! We need to ensure that this massive project is managed well so that disruption can be kept to a minimum. This investment must not be squandered and we have to ensure that all areas receive their fair share of road and pavement repairs."

"Liberal Democrats are committed to ensuring that the process goes smoothly if we gain control of the Council in May. We understand just what an important issue this is for local people. This is the way forward as, despite our concerns over PFI, it is the only way we can secure the required investment for Sheffield."

"In the future we must also begin to maintain our roads and pavements properly. The years of neglect, which led to Sheffield being dubbed pothole city in the first place, can never be allowed to happen again."