Council chiefs insist they are doing all they can to complete pothole repairs across the county, saying crews “pulled out all the stops” over winter.

More than 2,000 emergency repairs took place in Buckinghamshire across January as the cold weather struck, with county councillors now urging residents to remain patient as crews continue repairs.

With a forecast drop in temperatures tonight gritters will be out throughout the county salting precautionary routes, while the road resurfacing programme is also back underway.

Buckinghamshire County Council’s transport cabinet member, Cllr Mark Shaw, said: “The winter weather really does play havoc with our road surfaces, but we're working hard to fix things.

“I’ve nothing but admiration for our repair teams, who’ve pulled out all the stops to keep on top of the repairs.”

Frost damage to road surfaces is exacerbated by rain, which attacks any weaknesses and create defects.

Cllr Shaw said that the irony is that winter creates more damage, but summer is the best time to repair it.

He added: “We’re continuing to prioritise urgent repairs to road damage on busier routes.

“Looking at my email inbox, I’m grateful for residents’ understanding of the challenge facing our teams, and for their patience as we tackle repairs day by day.”

He urged residents and motorists to continue reporting road damage using the council’s online reporting tool at www.buckscc.gov.uk/telltfb Cllr Shaw said the county’s road resurfacing programme, paused during the winter weather, restarted this week.

BCC is investing £14.8 million in the roads structural maintenance in 2016/17, £11 million less than the £25m spend this year.

So far this winter, milder temperatures have almost halved the number of road salting runs needed.

From October until the beginning of February, there have been 20 outings by the 25-strong gritter force north of the county, and 21 in the south.

During the same period last year there were 42 runs in the north of the county and 35 in the south.