MORE than £1million is set to be invested to fix more than 20,000 potholes in Dorset.

The Department for Transport has announced £3billion worth of investments for improving roads around the country.

Included in the announcement is £1,070,000 to fill 20,200 potholes at £53 per pothole in Dorset.

The government has said that the investment around the country will lead to quicker and safer journeys and help to build a stronger economy by linking people with jobs and businesses with customers.

The investment to fix the potholes is for 2017/18.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “This is a government that steps up, not back which is why we are investing record amounts into improving our roads across the country.

"This investment is over and above the £23 billion we are spending to get motorists to their destinations quickly, more easily and safely.

“The schemes announced today are focused on relieving congestion and providing important upgrades to ensure our roads are fit for the future - removing the barriers to help make an economy that works for everyone.”

More major transport schemes are expected to be funded from the £1.8billion Local Growth Fund allocations announced by the Chancellor Philip Hammond in the Autumn Statement and these will be announced in the coming months.

Across the South West, £12.4million has been allocated to fix around 235,000 potholes in 2017/18 or to stop them forming in the first place.

This is on top of £144million the Department of Transport is already committed to providing in 2017/18 to repair local highways in the South West.

Of this, £12,364,000 has been allocated to Dorset.

In April, a grant of £817,000 was handed to the county to fix 15,415 over the coming year.

Dorset Highways fixes around 20,000 potholes each year and since the start of 2015, DCC has been aiming to permanently fix potholes on first visit.

Potholes are prioritised for repair based on location, size, depth and the category of road it's on.

A pothole on an A class road will be fixed quicker than one on a C or D class.

Cllr Peter Finney, Dorset County Council’s cabinet member for environment, highways and infrastructure, said: “We are delighted to have received this funding from the Government, which exceeds our original expectations. While it won’t fix all our highways problems, it will help us repair a considerable number of defects across the county.

“But, more than simply fixing potholes, the money will help us continue to make longer-lasting improvements to our transport network, improving safety and extending the life of our roads.”