TRANSPORT chiefs have pledged to do all they can to repair Suffolk's road network after a report revealed the county's roads are in urgent need of attention.

The report, by the GMB union, revealed that nearly a third of our streets were identified as 'requiring attention', with some in such poor condition that urgent repair work is required.

And there are fears that with local authorities being forced to restrict maintenance as a result of swingeing budget cuts, the problem will only worsen.

Transport bosses at Suffolk County Council say the inclement weather which has drenched the county during the last four months has exacerbated the problem.

Guy McGregor, the council's cabinet member for roads and transport, said: 'We had some particularly severe weather and it (road network) has taken a pounding but work is going ahead.

'People are quite rightly concerned about roads and I understand that, but we got comments of satisfaction, particularly compared to places elsewhere.' The statistics, which relate to A, B and C-class roads, have revealed 24% of Suffolk's road network showed some deterioration and needs investigation while 7pc of the county's roads require urgent work.

GMB officials have claimed that some roads are so broken up that motorists are suffering damage to wheels and suspension, with compensation claims rising by 40pc.

They have also claimed that budget cuts mean the state of roads are set to get worse.

Paul Hayes, GMB regional secretary, said: 'It is clear from the official data that our roads are in a shocking state with almost a third needing attention.

'Even when repairs are being carried out it is often done on the cheap to a low standard so it's soon in a mess again. Every community has a right to expect decent roads and councils should be recognising this as a priority.'

The statistics have come from the local authority using SCANNER vehicles, which measure roads and can capture deterioration. The figures were taken from 2010/11 – the latest data available.

Cllr McGregor believes the majority of the problem is confined to minor roads but he has moved to reassure residents that repair work will be carried out.

He added: 'The winter has taken its toll, particularly on minor roads. I am aware of this and we have now got the summer period when work will be done on this.'