Work has started to repair a number of C and U roads across Herefordshire.

The roads are being improved as part of the Department for Transport’s £2.558m additional investment for highways.

Roads in Much Marcle, Canon Frome and Pencombe are among those on Herefordshire Council’s list.

The programme of works, which are in addition to the council’s annual spend on A and B roads, will involve patching repair works in several locations over the coming months.

This will be followed up by extensive surface treatment in these areas next year after a further injection of funding.

Patching repairs, followed by surface dressing of the selected roads, is considered the most cost effective use of this funding.

It prevents further deterioration of roads before larger, more expensive repairs are needed, and can extend the life of the road surface by up to 10 years.

Cllr Barry Durkin, Herefordshire’s cabinet member for roads and regulatory services, visited the works taking place on the C1234 at Bagwyllydiart.

He said: “All of the feedback we receive from residents demonstrates that the condition of our roads is a top priority.

“We are pleased to be able to confirm the first batch of roads that will benefit from this programme of additional investment that will target several local C and U roads throughout the county to improve links between our rural communities.

“I was recently on site to witness one of these projects, which involves patching work on our rural roads and I found the quality of the improved surface to be excellent.

“In addition to our annual investment, we look forward to providing longer-lasting and more reliable road surfaces in various locations during this initiative.

“This will reduce the need for reactive maintenance and promote more efficient and enjoyable journeys for road users in the county.”

The first batch of works is:

C1060 - From A44 to C1059, Near Hatfield

C1125 - A417 To The Vauld, Bodenham Village

C1294 - C1293 to Court Farm, Kynaston

C1154 - A417 To Millend Farm, Canon Frome

C1110 - Little Maidenhyde to C1116 Via Pencombe

C1289 - The Old Lodge, Much Marcle

C1155 - Heywood Lane to Cold Green, Near Ashperton

C1234 - Bagwyllydiart to Pontrilas Court

C1205 Green Lane to Rhydunnog Lane, Michealchurch Escley

C1105 - Ivington Road, Newtown

C1082 - Gorsty Corner to Bearwood Cross Road, Bearwood

C1109 - Auberrow Road to Parks Lane, Near Wellington

C1080 - Track South of Pennsylvania to Bad Patch Wood, Holme Marsh

C1234 - Bagwyllydiart Farm to Little Hill Road, Orcop