WARRINGTON’S highways chiefs have received more than 14,100 reports of potholes since 2015 – but cash spent on road repairs and maintenance over the past six years tops £37 million.

The figures have been revealed following a Freedom of Information request by Yorkshire-based insurance provider The Insurance Emporium to the authority.

Warrington was found to have 4,308 potholes, or reports of potholes, in 2015, 3,921 in 2016, 3,176 in 2017 and 2,724 up to June in 2018.

But the same pothole can be reported by more than one person.

Furthermore, the council confirmed it has spent more than £37 million on road repairs and maintenance since 2013.

In 2013-14 it forked out £4,339,887 on highways maintenance and repairs, £6,629,547 in 2014-15, £7,637,392 in 2015-16, £9,331,211 in 2016-17 and £9,215,015 in 2017-18.

It brings the total since 2013 to £37,153,052.

The council says it ‘actively ensures’ any defects on its highway network are repaired following safety inspections.

The highways infrastructure improvements, which have significantly increased in cost since 2013, are aimed to benefit all road users, including cyclists.

In addition to its highways maintenance and improvement programme, more than £85 million is being invested in other major schemes, such as the M62 junction eight project and ongoing improvements in Birchwood.

The authority insists it is committed to maintaining and improving roads across the borough.

Cllr Hans Mundry, the council’s executive board member for highways, said: “We recognise that potholes are an issue, as they are for local authorities across the country.

“That’s why we’re investing in a planned programme of highways maintenance and improvement, using council funding and grants we are able to secure from the Government.

“We have invested substantially in our highways in recent years and the figures show that this is having a positive impact in reducing the number of potholes on our roads.”