Research has revealed the state of Cheshire roads is slowly improving.

A study into the condition of Cheshire’s roads, conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), suggests roads have improved for motorists since 2013-14.

The research, used from Freedom of Information requests lodged with both Cheshire West and East councils, shows a big gap in satisfaction levels between road users in the two regions between 2013-14 and 2014-15.

While Cheshire West racked up almost 2,400 complaints about potholed roads in 2014-15, Cheshire East more than doubled that figure with 6,063 complaints in the same year.

However, Cheshire East has made significant improvements after the number of complaints dropped by around a third since last year.

The research also shows that Cheshire East received four fewer claims this year than the 163 claims in 2013-14 for damaged vehicles caused by potholes.

In 2014-15, Cheshire West received almost 200 claims for damaged vehicles caused by potholes.

As a result of carriageway repairs in Cheshire East last year, the study found the authority saved around £300,000 after spending £15.6m on repairs in 2013-14.

Crewe Road in Alsager was the most complained about road in Cheshire East while Hoole Road, in Hoole , Chester was revealed as the worst road for potholes in Cheshire West.

Simon Edmondson, FSB Regional Chair for Cheshire, said: “Our members rely heavily on the local road networks to do business, and for rural firms the roads are even more important – this was the finding of separate FSB research earlier this year.

Simon Edmondson, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Regional Chair for Cheshire.
Simon Edmondson, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Regional Chair for Cheshire.

“While this new study shows Cheshire East has made progress with maintaining the region’s road network to a better standard, there’s still room for improvement when you look at how West Cheshire did.

“Both councils are similar in size and geography but motorists in the West are either much less inclined to complain or the roads are maintained to a better standard.”

Mr Edmondson added: “When our members are paying huge sums for business rates they expect certain standards, and among them local roads to be of sound repair.

“The research we’ve done suggests many might feel they still aren’t getting value for money.”

The FSB first conducted the research last summer.