44% REDUCTION IN POTHOLES – DUE TO EXTRA FUNDING & EFFICIENT COUNCIL SERVICES BY WILTSHIRE CONSERVATIVES

Richard Clewer, Conservative Group Leader on Wiltshire Council has commented on the recent Wiltshire Council Press Release

“Wiltshire Conservatives are delighted that the benefits of the extra £20 million which the Conservatives invested in Wiltshire’s highways, due to their effective management of the Council’s finances, is reaping rewards. 44% fewer potholes have been reported in the first six months of 2025, as well as work starting to improve road safety at Black Dog Crossroads, near Devizes. The work of the last Conservative administration in securing this funding, and Wiltshire Council’s officer team and contractors work to significantly increase the maintenance teams and pothole-filling ‘bobcats’ in delivering extra repairs is an excellent example of what a well-run, effective council can deliver. It is essential that this extra funding is continued through continued effective financial management and not through borrowing or use of Council reserves.

We are however concerned at the hypocrisy of the current Liberal Democrat leadership of Wiltshire Council, in trying to take credit for this work, especially given that they voted against the extra funding in the last two council budgets. The Nolan principles for public life include ‘accountability, openness and honesty’. For the Lib Dem administration to take credit in any way for work carried out by funding allocated by a Conservative administration is totally wrong.

What is worse is that the Liberal Democrats voted against the extra highways’ investment in the Council’s budget over recent years. This is neither accountable, open nor honest behaviour.

The public deserves better from their elected representatives; the current Leadership of Wiltshire Council needs to stop trying to take credit for the work of the last Conservative administration and apologise to Wiltshire residents for misleading them.”

FURTHER COMMENT

Cllr Richard Clewer – Leader, Wiltshire Council Conservatives
07980 756424 richard.clewer@wiltshire.gov.uk

MEDIA CONTACT

Cllr Tamara Reay – Wiltshire Council Conservatives.
07711 824864  tamara.reay@wiltshire.gov.uk