24-hour repair pledge on key roads

Oldham Council road maintenance workers Peter Smith and Wayne McManus show Councillor Dave Hibbert the council’s jet patcher machine

ROAD repairs are to be given a major overhaul through a new council programme that promises to fix potholes on major routes within 24 hours.

Oldham’s Council Cabinet last night approved a new value-for-money approach to improving key routes around Oldham town centre.

The council has drawn up a list of the borough’s most important roads for inclusion in the repair programme

The plans coincide with the recent purchase of special road repair machines that can tackle larger sections of road faster than other techniques. The “jet patcher” machines have proved effective in tackling potholes.

The 24-hour repair initiative was proposed by council leadear Councillor Jim McMahon to ensure the priority network is maintained to a good standard.

“A-roads and B-roads are very important to residents and visitors. A-roads especially have got to be spot-on. People must understand that we take pride in the town and are serious and professional.”