LEGAL claims for damage to motor vehicles caused by potholes across Cheshire East has seen a steep rise.

Figures published by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) show there were 218 claims in 2015/16 compared with 159 in 2014/15.

The number of pothole complaints for 2015/16 totalled 5,225, down from 6,063 the previous year.

The level of investment in road repairs for Cheshire East for 2015/16 was £1.23 million, compared with £15.3 million for the previous 12 months.

In Cheshire West the damage claims were 156, down from 193, the complaints totalled 3,200, up from 2,380, and the investment stood at £8.5 million, down from £12.5 million.

The study published by the FSB uses Freedom of Information requests to Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East councils to ascertain the number of complaints concerning potholes, the number of legal claims for damage to motor vehicles caused by them, as well as the amount of council investment in repairing local roads.

FSB regional chairman 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 day.

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

“Congratulations to Cheshire East for posting an improvement.”