The incoming administration has topped up the £22million highway maintenance budget because it believes its Labour predecessor allowed road surfaces to deteriorate.

New county council leader Geoff Driver made the pledge after former Ribble Valley MP and Tory General Election candidate Nigel Evans demanded action to tackle potholes in the borough.

He made the call after visiting angry residents in West Bradford who have long complained about the state of the village's roads.

Cllr John Fillis, former county Labour highways boss, said he would monitor the spending and questioned which other services would be cut to pay for it.

His concerns were echoed by former Burnley MP and Labour candidate on June 8 Julie Cooper,

Mr Evans said: “I was in West Bradford with a number of residents who are appalled at the state of roads there.

"The lanes are riddled with potholes and must be the worst kept roads in Lancashire, maybe the worst in the country.

“I now want to see proper action taken to repair the roads around our area after years of neglect from the county council."

Cllr Driver said the new administration would add £10 million to the existing £22 million budget allocated by the government which includes a £1.7 million pothole top-up.

He said: "I am aware of Mr Evans concerns and the state of the road right across Lancashire after four years of Labour neglect.

"That is why we have decided to spend an extra £10 million this year on potholes, road repairs and maintenance.

"This is not just for Ribble Valley but will be spread right across the county's 12 boroughs - including Hyndburn, Burnley, Rossendale and Pendle - according to need."

Mrs Cooper said: "This extra cash is welcome but I wonder what other services will be cut to pay for it.

"I shall watch carefully to make sure Burnley gets its fair share."

Cllr Fillis, new deputy leader of the Labour opposition on the county council said: "We will keep a close eye to make sure Cllr Driver lives up to his promises but there will always be potholes.

"I also wonder where he will get this extra money from and which other vital services will be cut to pay for it."