RESIDENTS are claiming victory after repairs to dozens of potholes on Darwen roads was brought forward by more than a year.

Repair work to holes inches deep in Inverness Road, Borough Road and Manor Road was scheduled for the end of 2010 and early 2011.

But after repeated complaints by residents and councillors, Blackburn with Darwen Council now says it fill in the holes by the end of the month. Full resurfacing will take place next summer.

Sunnyhurst councillor and deputy leader of the council Tony Melia said it was a “people’s victory” that had been months in the making.

He said: “The council was going to wait until the end of 2010 before looking at repairing any of the roads. There has been a lot of degradation on them since last year because of the frosts and nothing was being done.

“I travel on these roads daily so I understand where the residents are coming from. One of the biggest topics I hear about as a councillor is the state of the roads.

“But after lots of ear-chewing it has been decided to carry out the work quickly. And they won’t just be patched up. It’ll be a proper job.

“I’m really pleased, it means a lot to the people of the town.”

Coun Alan Cottam, executive mem-ber for regeneration, said: “Pothole repairs are due to take place on these roads because of the safety defects.

"Surface dressing is proposed to take place in summer 2010.”