WIRRAL’S roads are set to get a much-needed makeover thanks to a funding boost from the Government.

Councils in the north west of England have recieved more than £13.3m of government funding to help repair local roads damaged by severe weather, with Wirral due to receive £364,447 from the pot.

The funding comes after £183.5m of extra funding was made available to help with the much-needed repairs following the wettest winter on record.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the extra money will make a “real difference” to millions of road users and residents.

But councillor Harry Smith, Wirral’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said the cash - which is in addition to the £500,000 already set aside by the council for road repairs - will not help them tackle storm-related damage.

He said: “Although this funding is welcome, it does not cover repairs to sea defences and more is needed to address all of the damage caused by the recent storms and high tides.

“We know that the standard of roads is important to Wirral residents, and although our A roads are amongst the best maintained in the country, this additional money will also help us tackle damage to our unclassified roads.

“The work will either involve fixing individual potholes or, where necessary, undertaking wider resurfacing to reduce the need for further works in the future.”

The money, which has been allocated on a formula basis, is currently being distributed to ensure that councils can make use of it as soon as possible and complete any work before the summer holidays.

Lib Dem Councillor Stuart Kelly said: “Even if the Labour cabinet don’t recognise the issue with potholes and deteriorating roads the Government clearly do and are sending this money and expect it to be spent quickly.

“I can think of a few roads in Oxton that would benefit from this.”

A further £168m has also been allocated to tackle potholes on England’s roads following the Budget.

All local highway authorities will be required to publish information on their websites by the end of August showing where the money has been spent.