Leader and Deputy Leader see highways investment in action

Barnsley Council’s Leader and Deputy Leader visited a site last week to see first-hand how investment in the borough’s roads is helping teams repair potholes, resurface roads and keep Barnsley moving.

Councillor William Brown and Councillor Edward Dillingham met highways staff on site at Bolton-upon-Dearne to hear more about the programme of work taking place, the equipment and materials used, and how teams are making practical, cost-effective decisions to improve roads for residents, businesses and visitors.

The visit highlighted the skill and planning that goes into maintaining Barnsley’s highways network, from urgent pothole repairs to longer-term resurfacing schemes. Teams explained how defects are identified and prioritised, and how the right repair methods are chosen to make best use of staff time, materials and budget.

It comes as Barnsley Council continues to invest in the borough’s highways network, with £18.289 million being spent in 2026/27 on roads, footways, drainage systems, bridges, street lighting and active travel improvements. This includes £9.397 million for the annual highway maintenance programme, alongside further investment in principal roads, side streets and highway improvement schemes.

Staff also explained how improvements to the council’s pothole reporting system now provide residents with clearer updates at every stage of the process, from initial report and inspection through to repair and completion, making it easier to track progress and understand the outcome of their enquiry.

Residents can report potholes online through the council’s website, where they can also check whether an issue has already been reported. This helps highways teams respond more efficiently and focus resources where they are needed most.

Councillor William Brown, Leader of Barnsley Council, said:

"Residents rightly want to see investment making a difference in their communities, and today’s visit was a valuable opportunity to see that work happening on the ground.

"Our highways teams do an important job in keeping Barnsley moving, often in challenging conditions. It was clear from today’s visit how much skill, planning and care goes into repairing and maintaining our roads, and how teams are working to make sure we use the right methods in the right places.

"We know potholes and road conditions are a real concern for residents, which is why we are continuing to invest in our highways network. Alongside this investment, we are committed to exploring new ways of working, embracing innovation, and identifying opportunities to strengthen our approach to road maintenance. This is about making our roads safer, more resilient, and better for everyone who uses them, both now and in the future."

Councillor Edward Dillingham, Deputy Leader of Barnsley Council, said:

"It was great to meet the highways team and see how investment is being delivered in a practical way.

"The visit really highlighted the skill, knowledge and commitment of our highways teams, however, we know there is always more to do, and we are committed to building on the progress being made. By exploring new technologies, innovative practices and future investment opportunities, we want to continue improving the condition of our roads and deliver better outcomes for residents across the borough."

Residents can find out more about Barnsley Council’s investment in roads and footways, including planned schemes and different types of surface treatment, by visiting barnsley.gov.uk/highwaysinvestment.