THOUSANDS of troublesome potholes throughout Gloucestershire could be gone by the end of the year thanks to a grant of over a quarter of a million pounds.

Gloucestershire Highways aims to fill around 22,000 holes this year after being given £375,000 to invest in six 'find and fix' gangs and a state-of-the-art JetPatcher.

The JetPatcher, which blasts out hot road material at high speeds to deliver a suitable repair in double quick time, has already been out on the streets for the last 16 weeks fixing problem potholes.

The Find and Fix gangs have been trailing the roads all over the Cotswolds and looking for potholes that need their attention.

In addition to the new machine, local area highway teams have been organising hand-lay and machine patching for more minor road improvements in a three pronged attack on the county's potholes.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways and flood, said: "Resurfacing and road repair is a priority. I am delighted to see hard work by our road crews is starting to make a difference.

"We're not complacent and there is still a lot to do. Road condition doesn't stay still.

"Every winter our roads take another battering from the elements, but we are putting in place the right tools and the right way of working to help better protect our roads."

For more information, contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514.