A CASH injection of £88million to improve Dorset’s roads has been announced.

Part of the £4.7billion investment being given to 115 councils across the country between 2015 and 2021, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin claims it is the first time councils have been given locked-in funding over this length of time.

Dorset County Council will receive £72.5million, Poole will receive £8.3million and Bournemouth will receive £7.5million.

Mr McLoughlin said the funding will “put an end to short term fixes” and will mean the government has committed £10billion between 2010 and 2021 on road maintenance.

He added: “This huge investment is part of our long term economic plan to ensure we have a transport network fit for the 21st century.”

It was also announced that £578 million has been set aside for an incentive fund scheme which will start in 2016 to reward councils that demonstrate they are delivering value for money in carrying out cost effective improvements.