The Government has today pledged £5.3 million towards the huge bill to repair Surrey's flood-damaged roads.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has confirmed that Surrey County Council will be handed the cash as it struggles to plug a repair bill expected to spiral beyond the current £15 million estimate, following the floods that devestated parts of the county at Christmas and last month.
The award, the eighth-highest given to a council in England, is part of a £173.5 million emergency recovery fund.
Surrey County Council says a major clear-up of the 2,500 worst-affected Surrey roads is under way, and that 18,500 potholes were fixed in January and February, up almost 4,500 on the same period last year.
The £15 million bill, which is expected to rise significantly once final costs are in, includes £800,000 to replace Flanchford Road bridge between Leigh and Reigate, which remains closed after the swollen river smashed away part of the structure on Christmas Eve.
Surrey County Council leader David Hodge said: "We're doing everything we can to put things right for the residents of Surrey, but our roads and bridges repair bill from the flooding is at least £15 million, and that's just the tip of the iceberg as we're still assessing the damage.
"This repair bill is a massive burden on our finances, so we're very grateful for this extra £5.3 million Government funding to help the people of Surrey."
