A FOUR-man team is hitting the streets around South Lakeland repairing potholes thanks to a £100,000 cash injection.

County councillors agreed to divert the money after the severe cold snap left many of the district’s roads damaged.

The new team will work until Easter using hot tarmac, which can be mechanically compacted, gaining strength much more quickly as it cools.

This means repairs using hot tarmac have a longer life expectancy and provide a better repair.

Coun Geoff Cook, chair of South Lakeland local committee, which approved the spending, said the technique was ‘more effective’, adding: “Although initially more expensive it is better value for money than the usual method of filling in potholes. We hope it will be a step forward.

“The bad weather has really hit our road network and there will not be a road user in the area that hasn’t been affected by a pothole recently.

“By creating this new hot-box team we are combating one of the major gripes that people in South Lakeland have and ensuring that that the repair will stay in place for longer.”