New council leaders blamed for 15% drop in pothole repairs

But Reform say their new approach will lead to better roads over the long-term

- Phil Corrigan Local Democracy Reporter

REFORM UK leaders on Staffordshire County Council have been criticised following a drop in the number of pothole repairs since their election victory.

The county council filled in 17,826 potholes on Staffordshire’s roads between May and October, compared to 21,013 over the same period in 2024 - a 15.1 per cent fall.

Political opponents say this reduction has come despite good weather over the summer and extra highways funding from the government. They blame the Reform administration’s decision to introduce new restrictions on town centre roadworks earlier this year.

But council leaders insist they have been following the repairs plan and budget they inherited from the previous Conservative administration. They also say they are working to completely change the way the council approaches highway repairs to ensure a better service in the long-term.

In the summer the county council announced a three-month freeze on new nonessential roadworks in several urban areas, following major traffic problems in Stafford town centre.