A MULTI-MILLION pound strategy to repair roads in and around Leeds is being hailed as 'too little too late'.

The £14.3m funding package, concentrating mainly on outlying areas, including Otley, Horsforth and Aireborough, was expected to be approved by the city's Executive Board late yesterday afternoon.

But although the proposed spending was welcomed by councillors, they say a lot more needs to be done.

In a statement, the city council said the funding will be used to improve the condition of the road network throughout the city, but particular attention will be paid to outlying areas where the strategy has identified the greatest need for maintenance.

The proposed funding drew a less enthusiastic response from Otley and Wharfedale councillor Clive Fox (Cons), who labelled it "too little, too late."

"We know that as far as local roads are concerned there is a backlog of about eight years."

He claimed an on-going lack of funding meant problems could only ever be patched up.

"It is a patching up job that is going on when what is needed is a complete resurfacing," he argued.

"It is very expensive to patch up pot-holes and it is not an efficient way of working. It is very much fire-fighting."

The proposed funding is simply "scratching the surface" according to West Chevin Councillor Graham Kirkland (Lib Dem).

He said "It is good news, but in fact although it sounds like a lot of money it is actually a drop in the ocean.

"Road repairs are extremely ex-pensive, and £14.3m spread over the whole of Leeds is really scratching the surface."

Otley and Wharfedale Councillor Nigel Francis (Cons) said the money wasn't enough because the council was so far behind in road repairs.

He claimed the emphasis was always put on the city centre with the result that outlying areas suffered.

Aireborough Councillor Dr Makhan Thakur (Cons), who has campaigned for extra funding for road repairs, said: "The suggested sum of £14.3m to be spent on the highways is very welcome news.

"As a councillor I have been in receipt of hundreds of letters from the local community expressing their concerns at the conditions of our roads.

"The highways department are fully aware that they have not done a lot for a long period of time."

Coun Thakur said numerous roads in the area were in a bad condition.

"We get so many complaints about problems with potholes," he said.

"Oxford Road in Guiseley is par-ticularly bad - in fact it is like Calcutta."

He acknowledged that many millions more would be needed to bring all the area's crumbling roads up to scratch but he described the package as a "good start."

Coun Gerry Harper, Executive Board Member responsible for City Service said: "We will be spending our maintenance funds where they will do the most good.

"Inspections on roads in many residential areas in outer districts of Leeds show that they are in particular need of repair.

"Ideally, we still need another £63m to meet the government's maintenance targets.

"This is nevertheless a good funding package, which will help us bring about real improvements in the condition of Leeds' roads."