GOVERNMENT funding secured by Northumberland County Council is being put to good use to maintain and improve key routes across the county.

The authority was awarded £7.7m in November to tackle issues on Northumberland’s roads.

The money has been spent on tackling potholes, repairing damaged roads, and keeping bridges open and safe.

The latest update to councillors shows that the work is progressing well, with thousands of metres of road and 18 bridges improved.

Work so far has included the resurfacing of both the Redesmouth Bridge and the Greenhaugh Burn Bridge, as well as essential work at Allenheads Smelt Mill and the rebuild of collapsed culverts which had caused drainage problems.

More than 16km of road has been resurfaced so far, with 19 of 32 projects earmarked for work now completed.

The projects have targeted key routes, as well as industrial estates with roads in poor condition.

£2m was also targeted towards smaller roads, drainage and cattle grid repairs.

Coun. Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services, said: “This was very welcome funding which has enabled us to carry out a wide range of extra road, bridge and structure repairs.

“Considering the award came in during winter, when the weather and temperatures can make road repairs extremely challenging, I’m very pleased with how much our teams have managed to achieve over recent months.

“Alongside our comprehensive Local Transport Plan programme we’ll be working to make substantial progress on our road network over the coming months.”

The work forms part of the councils Local Transport Plan programme, which will see £26m invested in maintaining and improving the county’s highways and transport network.