A NORTH-EAST pot hole repair company, whose equipment is used across the world, has invested £150,000 in a machine to tackle the problem in the region.

Velocity, based in Sunderland, recently created six jobs after securing a deal to supply its vehicles to Latin American countries, and has now followed up that success by adding to its UK fleet with a truck capable of repairing about 150 potholes a day.

The company, which was taken over by Newcastle-based Reece Group, maintains roads from Stirling, in Scotland, to Kent and Hampshire, and has distribution bases in South Africa, Qatar and Nigeria, and is making its new machines in Sunderland.

It was responsible for patching more than 200,000 potholes fixed across the UK last year, and wants to create five more jobs after working on contracts with highways authorities in Hereford, Cheshire and Essex.

Dominic Gardner, managing director, said: “While we are seeking overseas expansion, our main focus remains here in the UK, helping local authorities tackle the major pothole problem.

“There is now an urgent need not only to get to grips with the backlog, but to take preventative measures to ensure tomorrow’s potential potholes don’t form.

“But tackling the nation’s pothole backlog is a double-edged sword because pothole numbers are increasing at a time when council budgets are being dramatically reduced.

“There is no magic wand, and we have every sympathy with local authorities trying to deal with a massive headache, while the Government’s hands are tied due to austerity measures.”