ANGER about the “general horrendous state of the roads in and around Haslemere” redoubled, as recent heavy rain increased the number of potholes.

Frustrated resident Katherine Townsend circulated her call for an urgent fix for an A287 Hindhead pothole to all her town, borough and county councillors, as well as reporting it to Surrey County Council.

Haslemere county councillor Nikki Barton said: “I’ve received complaints and I’m in constant contact with the highways team about the hazards.

“I went out with them last week identifying issues and prioritising them.

“I do have significant concerns about Kier and the quality of the fill. I’m concerned about the quality of the repairs, as some don’t seem to last long.

“I’m also concerned clusters are not repaired together if they are not all reported.”

Anger mounted as National Pothole Day on January 15 saw Surrey County Council named as the authority that has paid out most nationally for pothole damage claims.

Surrey received 3,533 claims and paid out £323,222 in compensation from January 1, 2019 to October 17, 2019, with Hampshire County Council in second place, receiving 2,665 claims.

Surrey County Council has included an extra £92 million in its capital budget for “improving and maintaining” its roads and pavements over the next few years.

Highways portfolio holder Councillor Matt Furniss said Surrey’s contractor Kier increased the number of gangs from the usual ten to 12, to more than 20 gangs, including three working overnight, to deal with damage caused by Storm Brendan last week.

* To report a pothole go to www.surreycc.gov.uk home page and follow link.