THE state of roads and pavements has been slammed as a disgrace by Pendle MP Gordon Prentice.

He spoke out at Westminster after being given an assurance by transport minister Lord Whitty that the problems of under investment in Britain's roads was being tackled head on by the government.

Mr Prentice said: "When money is tight, road maintenance is often cut back in preference to more sensitive services.

"That is understandable, but such a strategy only works for so long.

"Potholes can be a real threat to cyclists and motorcyclists in particular and poorly maintained pavements are an obvious hazard for the frail and elderly."

Lord Whitty said the Government was increasing road maintenance spending and reversing the decline.

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