EXTRA government funding to fix North Yorkshire’s roads has been welcomed by the county council.

With 5,800 miles of road, North Yorkshire has one of the largest highway networks in the country.

This week the government announced a £13.743m allocation for highway maintenance across the county’s 5,800 miles of road

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for highways, said: “This will make a significant contribution to repairing the county’s roads on top of the additional £8m the county council has contributed from its own funds in recent years and the £24m for the rural roads network provided through the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

“Highways maintenance is one of North Yorkshire’s highest priorities and is crucial to keep the county on the move and to support economic growth and prosperity. Once we have official notification of funding, we will press ahead with plans to use it to the best possible effect.”

Council leader Carl Les said the funding was ‘most welcome news’.