AN EXTRA £420,000 being given to Barnet Council to combat potholes will help “low-level improvements” in the borough, according to the roads supremo.

On Thursday the Government announced the extra cash for councils across the country after the freezing weather caused havoc with road surfaces.

Councillor Brian Coleman, who is in charge of transport, said: “Barnet leads the way in tackling potholes.

“We have always made highway maintenance a top priority in this borough. This extra money is very welcome and will be put to good use.

“Just like Barnet the Conservative Secretary of State recognises that low-level improvements such as road resurfacing are vital to local people and the economy.”

The council has already announced a huge increase in the cost of residents’ and visitor parking permits in a bid to help plug a funding shortfall in the parking account to maintain roads.

Government cash will automatically be added to the highway maintenance formula over the next few days.