FRUSTRATED motorists from Exmouth, who have criticised the number of potholes in the town, have welcomed a �2million council cash injection to improve roads.

FRUSTRATED motorists from Exmouth, who have criticised the number of potholes in the town, have welcomed a �2million council cash injection to improve roads.In a damning verdict, one driver, Tom Sivyer, 41, of Berry Close, said he was "disgusted" with the general state of driving surfaces in the area.Devon County Council's executive committee confirmed last Thursday it would invest the additional �2m on top of its existing highways budget.Poor winter weather experienced in the town and county had left the authority with an estimated �11million repair bill after highway bosses discovered hundreds of new potholes. As a result, the department responsible for looking after most roads in the area then requested an additional �2m which was approved last week. Mr Sivyer, who said he had spent more than �900 on repairs, added: "The roads are really bad, especially some of the minor ones."We've had to have so many repairs on our cars because of tyre damage. At one point it was costing us around �45 every few months for a new one."In the last five years I have probably spent the best part of �1000 which has included stone chipping damage as well. The roads in Exmouth are bad, especially the ones going to Sidmouth."Dr Gordon and Sue Taylor, of Colvin Close, Exmouth, also believe the road conditions in Exmouth are 'very poor'."On Douglas Avenue, for instance, it is a really bad surface now. It has been damaged by all kinds of trucks and heavy vehicles going up and down there," said Gordon."I just don't think they are repaired frequently enough. Pavements, also, are very bad."Sue, who said she had complained to the council about the roads' conditions, explained: "We pay one of the highest rates of council tax in the area and yet, no work has been undertaken to improve the roads and pavements for a long time."Reacting to news of the extra money invested into the council's highways budget, Sue added: "We would welcome that but it isn't enough money to improve them completely."And, Gordon said: "Anything extra is of course welcome but it is going to be a long, long job.