Devon is to receive an extra £9.4 million from the Chancellor’s budget, to help fund vital highways maintenance.

The county’s share of the additional £200 million capital funding is the largest among County and County Council Network unitary authorities.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member responsible for highway maintenance, said that this winter’s weather has had significant impact on the condition of Devon’s 8,000 mile road network.

“We’ve seen the worst conditions for potholes, with torrential rain and very cold snaps that have played havoc with the condition of our roads.

“We welcome this additional funding, which will contribute to our extensive maintenance and repair programme for what is the longest road network in England. We also welcome the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt’s, nod towards councils taking on additional powers and responsibilities.”

Councillor Hart said: “I also welcome the Chancellor’s decision to consult on whether local councils should take on the powers and responsibilities of the Local Enterprise Partnerships.

“I firmly believe that democratically-elected local councillors are best placed to deliver on what their communities need and I am very keen to strengthen our economy so we can help provide good, well-paid jobs and opportunities for our residents and our businesses.

“And in a rural county like Devon where so many people need a car, it was important that the Chancellor continued to freeze fuel duties,” he added.