Surrey highways chiefs have called for the county to get a significant share of a multi-million Government grant to fix potholes.

The leader of Surrey County Council, David Hodge, has welcomed news of the Government grant, saying he is “delighted” flood damage to local roads has been recognised as a “mammoth problem.”

The council is currently driving a repairs blitz on the county's potholes as part of its clear-up of at least £15 million of flood damage to around 2,500 Surrey streets.

The Department for Transport has encouraged councils around the country to bid for part of a £168 million fund to tackle potholes.

Coun Hodge said: “We’re delighted the Government has recognised the mammoth problem posed by potholes following the recent floods.”

He said: “In Surrey alone, we’re fixing thousands a month more than usual, and our flood-damaged roads repair bill is at least £15 million.

“Given that Surrey contributes more in taxation to the UK economy than anywhere other than the City of London, keeping our county moving is important not only locally but also nationally.”

He added: “And it’s time our residents and businesses saw some return for this contribution, especially because Surrey’s major roads also carry twice as much traffic as the national average.”

The county council's roads repairs teams have recently fixed around 800 potholes a day as part of the council's repair blitz.

Under Operation Horizon, it has also embarked on a five-year overhaul of 300 miles of county roads most in need of repair.

The council recently announced it had managed to make £3 million of efficiency savings in one year to plough back into its roads budgets.

It received Government praise for the accomplishment in delivering efficient road improvements.