BLAENAU Gwent will spend almost £6 million to improve its pot hole ridden roads, after proposals were approved by the council's executive committee.

The Argus reported yesterday how Blaenau Gwent's roads are so riddled with pot holes it would take 43 years to clear the backlog of repairs.

A report delivered to the council's executive committee said a lack of funding and two harsh winters have taken their toll on borough's 416kms of roads and 624 kms of footways, with 2,000-3,000 potholes and "highway defects" currently reported each year.

The situation has got so bad that, at the current level of funding, it would take an estimated 43 years to sort out the backlog.

But at yesterday's executive committee meeting, councillors approved proposals to borrow £5.8 million from a market lender or the Public Works Loan Board, to invest in a three-year programme of highways improvements.

It is hoped the scheme will stop the long term deterioration of the roads, tackle the backlog of repairs, reduce the amount of complaints received and insurance claims paid out.

Starting from August, the council will tackle the worst affected roads with resurfacing or reconstruction works.

The two worst roads in each electoral ward have already been identified, and at least one road in each area will be improved during the scheme's first year.

Deputy leader of the council Cllr John Mason said: "A lot of work has already gone in to this, and we are able to show the public of Blaenau Gwent that our roads will be improved."