Barnsley Council's Leader and Deputy Leader visited a highways site at Bolton-upon-Dearne last week to observe how investment in the borough's roads is being used to repair potholes, resurface roads and maintain the network.
Councillor William Brown and Councillor Edward Dillingham met with highways staff to learn about the ongoing programme of work, the equipment and materials in use, and how teams make cost-effective decisions to improve roads for residents, businesses and visitors.
How Roads are Prioritised and Repaired
The visit highlighted the skill and planning required to maintain Barnsley's highways network. Teams explained how defects are identified and prioritised, and how repair methods are chosen to make best use of staff time, materials and budget.
Investment in Roads and Infrastructure
Barnsley Council continues to invest in the borough's highways network, with spending allocated to roads, footways, drainage systems, bridges, street lighting and active travel improvements. The investment covers both annual highway maintenance and longer-term resurfacing schemes on principal roads and side streets.
Reporting Potholes: How to Get Help
The council has improved its pothole reporting system to give residents clearer updates at every stage of the process, from initial report and inspection through to repair and completion. Residents can report potholes online through the council's website, where they can also check whether an issue has already been reported. This helps highways teams respond more efficiently and focus resources where they are needed most.
Council Comments
Councillor William Brown said: "Residents rightly want to see investment making a difference in their communities, and today's visit was a valuable opportunity to see that work happening on the ground. Our highways teams do an important job in keeping Barnsley moving, often in challenging conditions."
He added: "We know potholes and road conditions are a real concern for residents, which is why we are continuing to invest in our highways network. Alongside this investment, we are committed to exploring new ways of working, embracing innovation, and identifying opportunities to strengthen our approach to road maintenance."
Councillor Edward Dillingham said: "It was great to meet the highways team and see how investment is being delivered in a practical way. The visit really highlighted the skill, knowledge and commitment of our highways staff."
