A council has apologised for taking six months to fix potholes on a major Stoke-on-Trent road.

Cllr Dave Evans says he reported a series of road defects on Leek New Road to Stoke-on-Trent City Council's highways department on 3 January.

After waiting several months, the Baddeley, Milton and Norton ward councillor submitted a formal question to transport cabinet member Finlay Gordon-McCusker to ask for an update on when the work would be carried out.

In a written response, Cllr Gordon-McCusker apologised for the delay and said works to repair some of the potholes had started on 9 June.

Cllr Gordon-McCusker acknowledged that some issues could remain, with 'more extensive works' planned for later in the year. The heavy traffic on the road and works by utility companies in the area had contributed to the delay.

Cllr Gordon-McCusker said: "Thank you for your continued patience, and please accept our sincere apologies for the delay in addressing the defects reported on Leek New Road.

"We fully appreciate the frustration this may have caused.

"Leek New Road is an exceptionally busy corridor, and undertaking works here presents considerable operational challenges, particularly due to the complex traffic management arrangements required.

"For example, many of the existing permanent traffic signals are interlinked, meaning any interventions often require careful coordination.

"Compounding this, several utility companies have recently carried out work in the area, which has further constrained the availability of suitable traffic management slots that meet both safety and legal standards.

"While these factors are not intended as an excuse, they have unfortunately contributed to the delay, and we acknowledge this should have been resolved sooner."

Cllr Evans submitted a follow-up question during Thursday's full council meeting, asking when council leaders for their views on how long a pothole repair should take. He said: "What is your opinion on what would be a timely pothole repair? Because six months is taking the mick."

Council leader Jane Ashworth, responding on behalf of the absent Cllr Gordon-McCusker, said she would provide a written answer, 'in due course'.