POTHOLES in Cumbria are declining according to the county council, after they have brought in new technology to combat the issue.

Cumbria County Council has announced that the number of pothole reports from the public seems to be declining following investment in the 'very latest technology' to help combat the problem.

In the past year, the council has seen a decrease in potholes reported by the public. Last year, there were around 600 reports per week compared to this year’s reports of around 400 per week.

In part, the council says, this is due to the number of defects the council’s inspection teams are detecting during their day-to-day work.

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But they said it's also because of the extensive 'patching work' leading up to winter, when the council used jet patchers, thermal patchers, and traditional patching teams to combat the on-going problem. 

Cumbria County Council is reminding the public that they can report potholes by visiting the council’s website, or by phoning the Highways Hotline is also available at 0300 303 2992.

Road and pavement potholes are defined as being either 40mm deep or over on the road or 25mm deep or over on the pavement.

During the reporting process, the council asks the public to give a detailed location, width, and depth of the pothole, as well as the customer's email address (so the council can supply progress reports).

Residents can also use 'what3words' to communicate locations of the potholes.

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Throughout Cumbria there are 4,908 miles of highway, and it is crucial that the network is maintained.

“We are asking the Cumbrian community to report potholes within the specified dimensions, so that our Highways Teams can focus on the repairs to the potholes in a streamlined manner.

“Repairing damaged road surfaces is one of the county council's top priorities, and we appreciate the public's patience and support as we improve the road network."