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The leader of Caerphilly Council said he “completely” understands concerns around the condition of the borough’s roads ahead of planned resurfacing and repairs.

Cllr Jamie Pritchard said the local authority will use a combination of its own money and borrowing to raise £3.4 million for resurfacing this year – allowing for around 35km of road to be carried out.

He said resurfacing was “the best way we can tackle potholes long-term, because a fresh road will be far better than a patched job”, and hoped the planned works will “significantly help reduce potholes in these areas”.

Responding to a question from Penmaen ward councillor Elizabeth Davies, the leader said the condition of roads in Caerphilly “is replicated everywhere”. 

“I completely understand,” he said. “For people living in Caerphilly County Borough, potholes… are an issue and we must do the most we can.”

The council also has around £2 million for “reactive” repairs and will “focus on the highest priorities” and ensure potholes are “dealt with”, he added.

Cllr Davies asked whether UK austerity measures had affected the current state of roads.

Cllr Pritchard said they had led to budget constraints for local authorities, but he was “hopeful that we will be in a position where we’re increasing our budgets on highway resurfacing and pothole repairs”.