by political editor Paul Francis

Kent is in line for a share of a £100m cash boost to help it fix roads blighted by potholes.

The money was announced by chancellor Alastair Darling as part of the budget statement today.

Mr Darling said he recognised that the severe winter had caused more damage to roads across the country and was making extra money available to help with the cost of repairs.

It is unclear exactly how much money Kent County Council might get but on the basis of its size, it could be about £2million.

County road chiefs gave the news a cautious welcome. Cllr Nick Chard, (Con), cabinet member for highways, said: "If we are to get extra money we would be very grateful and £2m is not to be sneezed at. We have already spent a lot more this year on potholes and will be grateful for any money from central Government."

The council has already allocated an extra £1m to its roads budget to help fix potholes and says that to date, it has mended some 41,000.

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In its budget report, the government says: This funding will be distributed to local highways authorities over the coming months based on the length and condition of roads they are responsible for. This funding will help road users by reducing the congestion and damage to vehicles caused by potholes."

The AA also welcomed the extra money. "The AA had campaigned for extra funding to fill the potholes and are delighted that the current pothole plague can be addressed," it said.