DRIVERS in east Cheshire made 2,000 more complaints about potholes than their neighbours in the west of the county, annual research figures show.

Information released to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) by Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council showed that a total of 8,425 complaints were made across the county in 2015/16.

CEC figures fell to 5,225 from 6,063 in 2014/15, and CWaC complaints rising from 2,380 to 3,200.

Meanwhile, legal claims for damage to motor vehicles caused by potholes rose from 156 in 2014/15 to 218 in 2015/16 for CEC, while CWaC saw a decrease from 193 to 156.

FSB Regional Chair for Cheshire, Simon Edmondson, said local infrastructure played a part in economic productivity, and was therefore crucial.

“Small businesses need a dense, well-maintained road network to compete and grow,” he said. “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.

“Across Cheshire there were 8,425 complaints concerning potholes and damaged roads. While that’s only a small increase on previous years it’s equivalent to more than 23 complaints every single day.

“This tells a story that too many road users, and that’s not just car owners, will, regrettably be only too familiar with.”

CEC posted another decrease, having reported 18,207 complaints in 2013/14. Chester Road in Poynton the most frequently reported road in the borough.

Both authorities spent considerably less on road repairs in 2015/16 compared to previous years. CEC’s spending dropped to £1.23 million, down from £15.3 million in 2014/15.

This compares to CWaC spending of £8.5 million, down from £12.5 million.