MORE than £2 million has been handed to Worcestershire's highways authority to help repair potholes across the county's roads.

Worcestershire County Council has received £2.18 million from the Government's £200 million emergency fund to help repair roads damaged by the severe weather. Council officers have not yet decided how it will be split between districts so it is currently unknown how much of the money Wyre Forest will get.

About £700,000 has been put into tackling potholes and extra highways staff have been deployed since last month's floods and bad weather hit the county. So far, about 6,700 repairs have been carried out in 2014 and the council says work will continue over the coming weeks.

Conservative councillor John Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: "The wettest winter on record has left damage on some of our roads and the Worcestershire Highways teams have been working tirelessly to fix the inevitable problems caused by severe weather.

"This announcement from the Government of extra funding to help efforts to tackle the problem is obviously good news and welcomed. Everyone can rest assured the work to repair damage will continue over the coming weeks and months.

"Residents can continue to play an important role by getting in touch to let us know if they spot any issues."

The council manages 2,257 miles of road in Worcestershire and last year the authority repaired about 27,000 defects on its highways.

A Freedom of Information request last year by The Shuttle showed between July, 2012 and July, 2013, more than £13,300 - of which £2,400 related to Wyre Forest - was paid out by the council in compensation for damage to cars caused by potholes on its roads.

Earlier this month, the council announced at total of 23 teams - nine more than usual - were being sent out to tackle highways defects and inspections also increased across the county. Council officers say severe rain experienced this winter, rather than ice and snow, has caused damage to the road surfaces.

Drivers and other members of the public can report any problems with sport on the council's website at worcestershire.gov.uk/reportit