According to a survey conducted by ‘Asphalt Industry Alliance’ (AIA), the nation’s roads are in the worst state ever. A staggering £14 billion is now needed to clear the road maintenance backlog.
Liberal Democrat councillor for Shaw and Leader of the Opposition in Oldham, councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “Highways teams would need triple the funding they currently get, just to stop our roads deteriorating further. The Government has chosen to neglect our roads so they can raid budgets for savings. Now £14 billion is needed to fix their neglect.”
Oldham Liberal Democrats proposed more cash for crumbling Oldham roads and pavements when they set out their alternative budget proposals (March 02). The extra cash for roads was voted down by both Labour and Conservatives on Oldham Council.
Councillor Sykes said, “A Liberal Democrat administration would be laser focused on getting the basics right. That’s what people in Oldham want to see. We put road repairs at the heart of our budget plans. We would take a year-round approach to maintenance, ending the March ‘month of madness’ that residents have had to put up with under Labour.”