The Liberal Democrats have hit back at an announcement from Manchester City Council which claims to "invest an extra £1.8m to boost the maintenance of roadside gullies".
However, this is not the first time the Council has announced this investment and completely failed to admit that botched plans mean nearly £18m has been wiped from this year's spending - which could have been invested in repairing potholes and maintaining gullies.
Championing the investment, the council said two service provides: "will tackle 58,000 gullies each across all 32 wards across the city and will ensure Manchester’s roads remain clear". But the council's failure to plan contracts in advance properly has meant that last year's work in now being delivered behind schedule and with the budget revised accordingly makes for a loss in road maintenance of £17.6m.
Championing the investment, the council said two service provides: "will tackle 58,000 gullies each across all 32 wards across the city and will ensure Manchester’s roads remain clear". But the council's failure to plan contracts in advance properly has meant that last year's work in now being delivered behind schedule and with the budget revised accordingly makes for a loss in road maintenance of £17.6m.
Planning and Communities Spokesperson, Greg Stanton said: "Once again, the lack of proper planning from Manchester Council has meant that local people will suffer as our roads don't get the investment they need.
"Countless people at our local advice sessions tell me that their car or bike has been seriously damaged by the dreadful state of our roads and cyclists in particular struggle to make it down roads without having to dangerously swerve deep potholes or flooding gutters.
"This constant lack of effective planning is unacceptable and another example of why a Liberal Democrat opposition on this council is so vital."
"Countless people at our local advice sessions tell me that their car or bike has been seriously damaged by the dreadful state of our roads and cyclists in particular struggle to make it down roads without having to dangerously swerve deep potholes or flooding gutters.
"This constant lack of effective planning is unacceptable and another example of why a Liberal Democrat opposition on this council is so vital."
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