More than 60,000 square metres of West Northamptonshire roads repaired since April

More than 60,000 square metres of roads have been repaired across West Northamptonshire since April, with the council on course to match last year's maintenance programme as winter approaches.

West Northamptonshire Council says its highways teams and contractor Kier have been increasing repairs, resurfacing and preventative work to improve the network and reduce the risk of further deterioration.

During 2025/26, more than 102,000 square metres of carriageway repairs were completed, while around 60,000 square metres have been repaired in the current financial year.

The latest update comes as motorists are urged to take extra care during colder weather, when rain, frost and freezing temperatures can rapidly turn cracks in road surfaces into potholes.

Councillor Richard Butler, the council's cabinet member for transport and highways, said: "As we move into autumn and winter, we know people will be concerned about the condition of our roads and the risk of potholes.

"We want them to know that we share those concerns and that we've been working throughout the year to improve roads across West Northamptonshire."

The council's progress follows a recent Government assessment which gave its highways maintenance performance an overall red rating, the lowest of three grades.

As previously reported, the council says the assessment drew on data from early 2025 and does not reflect more recent improvements. The rating should not be taken as an assessment solely of the current Reform administration, which took control after that period.

WNC has highlighted investment in longer-lasting repairs and specialist equipment, alongside an additional £10 million for its Highway Investment Programme.

Councillor Butler said: "The colder months are always the most challenging. Rainwater can get into cracks in the road and, when temperatures drop, potholes can form in the blink of an eye."

He added: "Our teams will continue to focus on safety-critical defects and respond to issues as quickly as possible."

The council says routine scheduled maintenance will continue wherever possible, although exceptionally severe weather could mean temporarily prioritising the most urgent safety repairs if the number of defects rises sharply.

Residents are encouraged to report potholes and other highway problems through the council's website, helping teams identify locations needing attention.

The authority says it will keep people informed if its approach to repairs needs to change during winter.

Motorists can report defects and find further information about maintenance work at www.westnorthants.gov.uk/highway-maintenance.