WORK is underway on more than 1,800 road safety and drainage schemes across Cornwall including one in Whitstone.

The work has begun thanks to the Cornwall Council’s cabinet allocating an additional £2.9-million to carry out repairs.

Funding for the work, a range of resurfacing, drainage and road marking schemes, which would not have otherwise taken place for several years, was announced in October.

One of the main themes highlighted in the residents’ survey, which was carried out by the council in June 2016, was the need to improve the condition of the local road network.

The money has been used to fund schemes throughout Cornwall, including the repainting of white lines in Whitstone.

Other projects that have received funding include drainage works in Morvah, near Penzance and Coverack, near The Lizard to repainted white lines in Landulph, Botusfleming and Hatt in South East Cornwall.

Cllr Bert Biscoe, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for transport, said: “There is a difference between new road schemes and repairing potholes. New schemes can be paid for with one-off ‘capital’ money. Maintenance is paid for by regular income - ‘revenue’ money.

“It’s two different sorts of money. Revenue funding is very precious — which is why this £2.9m is so valuable. It enables us to undertake maintenance schemes to keep our roads in good condition. It’s not enough by any means, but it will make an important difference.”

To see how the Council has spent the funding the full programme of work, as well before and after photos from the schemes as they are completed, can be viewed on the council’s website www.cornwall.gov.uk/Road