Budget blunder stops highways work

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 17th Sep 2008

Merthyr's roads need more money, not less

Local Liberal Democrats have uncovered the shocking news that there is no more money to fix Merthyr's roads. This year's budget was so small that any new defects identified since July will not be fixed until at least April. Lib Dem Group Leader Cllr Kevin O'Connor acquired the information in a question at Full Council this week.

Cllr O'Connor said, "We know that backlogs in road repairs are a problem for all areas in Wales, but in Merthyr we are getting worse - not better. New potholes are appearing faster than the council can fix the old ones.

"The highway budget set for this year was simply far too low and more money must be found. We are calling on the new Independent leaders of the council to make sure that next year the council sets a responsible budget that delivers on essential services, like highways."

Lib Dem spokesperson for Merthyr Tydfil, Amy Kitcher, added "It is simply not good enough to tell people there is no money. The council needs to get its priorities in order.

"For too long Labour have spent time promising grand schemes to save Merthyr, but couldn't even deliver on key services. It remains to be seen whether the Independent group will fare any better."