The statement was made by Coun Louise Bradshaw (Lib Dem), a Hucknall member of Ashfield District Council.

It came at a meeting of the Hucknall Area Consultative Group during a conversation about the quality of road surfaces in the town.

She agreed with residents that action needs to be taken and that roads already in a poor state have become worse in the aftermath of last month's big freeze.

Many potholes that were already there have become bigger because of water getting underneath Tarmac, freezing and cracking the surface.

Problem areas include the Thoresby Dale Estate, Ruffs Drive and Albert Street where pavements are also in a poor condition, the meeting heard.

Reports suggest that millions of pounds are needed nationally to repair roads damaged by sub-zero temperatures.

But the consultative group meeting heard that the poor quality of repairs to roads in the past was partially to blame.

Residents and councillors agreed that the 'patching' of damaged areas with Tarmac is a short-term solution that doesn't work.

They called for more consistency in the repairs and for the edges of Tarmac to be sealed so that water cannot penetrate.

Responsibility for the repair of roads and pavements in Hucknall falls on Notts County Council, who decide on funding and priorities. However the work is carried out by Ashfield District Council on the county's behalf.

Resident John Hardy questioned councillors on why work has been done to parts of Kneesall Grove when other areas of the Thoresby Dale Estate are in a worse condition.

He claimed a resident told him Budby Rise had not been resurfaced since the 1940s.

"We need to know when things are going to be done properly and fully resurfaced," he added.

Councillors pledged to contact the county council and find out the plans for any road repairs in Hucknall.