The county council has promised action to tackle a "record-breaking" surge in potholes across Leicestershire.

Nearly 3,000 pothole reports were received in February alone across the county – a 271 per cent increase on the same month last year – and 8,763 in total since last May.

Leicestershire County Council is now drafting in extra staff to "speed up inspections" and "temporary repair methods" are being used to tackle the "unprecedented numbers".

The work on potholes is part of the council's near £29 million highways maintenance programme for 2026/27.

Cllr Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for highways, said: "We put every penny of the money government gives us to maintain roads to good use. 

"We spend it wisely and make sure none of it goes to waste, and we never risk having to give the money back to the government.

"That's why I want to thank everyone for telling us about potholes in your area. We saw the highest number of reports we've ever seen in January and February, so your reports help us to prioritise them.

"We've brought in extra staff to speed up inspections and repairs."

advertisement

The summer maintenance programme, including a £3 million surface dressing programme has begun across Leicestershire, with more than 840,000 square metres (over 80 miles) of road given a "preventative treatment to improve waterproofing and helping to prevent future potholes". 

"Innovative materials will be used to boost the durability of resurfacing work," the council said.

"Other highway work across the network includes resurfacing, bridge maintenance, flood alleviation work and gully cleaning."