A new dedicated ‘Patching Gang’ is being trialled in North Somerset in an aim to repair more potholes and road surface defects at a faster rate than ever before, helping keep North Somerset moving.  

The trial builds on North Somerset Council’s wider highways transformation programme and commitment to investing in the road network. 

Working in partnership with John Wainwright & Co Ltd, the new dedicated crew will carry out reactive patching repairs across the district, targeting potholes and road defects before they deteriorate further and require more extensive intervention.  

The trial is designed to increase the number of repairs completed, improve response times and test the benefits of having a dedicated patching team focused solely on maintaining North Somerset’s roads.  

The gang will be deployed across the highway network each week, focusing on areas identified through inspections, reports from residents and routine highway maintenance activities.  

The initiative forms part of North Somerset Council’s continued investment in its highway network. For this financial year alone (2026/27), more than £10.1 million is planned to be invested in highway maintenance, including funding specifically allocated to planned and reactive repairs.  

Cllr Hugh Malyan, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said:

“We’re determined to keep North Somerset moving and that means finding smarter ways to repair and maintain our roads. This dedicated patching gang will allow us to carry out more reactive repairs, address defects sooner and help improve journeys for residents, businesses and commuters right across North Somerset. 

“The trial is an opportunity to test how a dedicated patching operation could support our future highways maintenance plans. By investing in innovative approaches and working closely with our contractors, we’re continuing to build a more efficient and responsive highways service for our communities.”  

(Picture: North Somerset Council/John Wainwrigh & Co)