Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell has said that a watchdog’s hard hitting report on the state of local roads backs up what he is finding on the streets.
Recommendations made by the Accounts Commission two years ago to improve the condition of Scotland’s local roads, have not yet led to any significant improvements
The public spending watchdog, in an updated report, says the pace of progress in improving the condition of roads is too slow, and public concern about the condition of roads remains high.
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP said the report backs up concerns being raised at his local surgeries across the constituency.
Mr Mundell added: “I am well aware of the problems with local roads, and am asking councils to invest now to save costs in the future. I am also aware that much of the problems with roads, in my constituency particularly, is weather related, and this means more support is needed for rural routes from the Scottish Government, who have received millions of pounds worth of extra funding from the UK Government.
“Roads and public transport have featured heavily amongst the concerns of people within my constituency, with pot holes being a frequent complaint.
“Across my autumn and spring surgery tours, and at my regular local surgeries, people time and time again raise the condition of local roads.
“The fact that some local residents feel it necessary to photograph and catalogue the dire state of some sections of our roads, only serves to highlight the level of frustration and anger felt.
“I understand that there is not an endless budget available for roads maintenance and improvements, but it is clear urgent repairs need to be prioritised, or there will be further damage and deterioration, which is far more expensive in the long term,” added the MP.