BOLTON spends more money on fixing potholes than any other borough in Greater Manchester.

The council spent more than £6.5 million repairing roads across the town in 2015/16, according to research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

The FSB found that there were 2,242 complaints about potholes in that year, with the worst routes in the borough being Chorley Old Road and Slackey Brow, in Kearsley.

Bolton Council's £6,517,815 spend was actually a slight decrease from the previous year, but still significantly higher than anywhere else in the city-region.

A council spokesman said: “We know that businesses and residents want more investment in the road network and we are continuing to invest in improving our roads under difficult financial circumstances.

“Like other towns and cities across the country, our roads have deteriorated due to a reduction in government grants.

“However, it is good to see that despite this the number of claims has dropped – this positive trend has been helped by our robust inspection regime.

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Where are the worst potholes in Bolton?

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From Stephen Pearaon

What is your response?Anchor lane in farnworth is in appalling condition it's about time this road was totally resurfaced not not dressed the road is a disgrace

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What is your response?Road going around mossbank park, broke my front left suspension, can I claim ??

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The Bolton News: Road going around mossbank park, broke my front left suspension, can I claim ??Road going around mossbank park, broke my front left suspension, can I claim ??

“We also regularly inspect the road network and people can report potholes on the website, via e-mail: streetcare@bolton.gov.uk or by calling us on 01204 336600.”

Stockport was the second-highest spender, at approximately £6 million, followed by Manchester's £5 million bill. Salford spent the least, at just £556,866.

Bolton was among five local authorities that reported a decrease in the number of pothole complaints, down from 2,624 to 2,242.

A total of 67 drivers in Bolton made legal claims for damage to motor vehicles caused by potholes in 2015/16.

FSB Manchester’s Regional Chair, Simon Edmondson, said: “Small businesses need a dense, well-maintained road network to compete and grow.

“Infrastructure investment is therefore the best way to improve productivity and connectivity.

“We know our members rely heavily on the local road networks to do business.

"Their staff, their customers, as well as trade deliveries, all rely on fast and efficient road networks.

"Poorly maintained infrastructure hampers growth, and presents a low rent image for inward investors.

“In Greater Manchester there were 26,524 complaints concerning potholes and damaged roads — that’s an increase on previous years and is equivalent to 73 complaints every single day.

"This tells a story that most road users, from bikes to bus drivers will, regrettably, be only too familiar with.

“Congratulations to Salford for coming top. On the back of second last year it shows movement in the right direction. Not all councils are doing as well.”