Update: This story was our April Fool! There’s a few clues in the story…

As car parking charges are about to go up, Kirklees Council is asking for the help of drivers to repair the roads and tackle the menace of potholes.

The council is set to launch a ‘Sponsor a Pothole’ scheme where the public can pay £25 to repair a pothole on their street.

Anyone can report a pothole and the council will repair it within 24 hours – for a £25 fee.

The charge will be added to council tax bills so anyone taking advantage of the scheme should ask the permission of the bill payer first.

In 2023 Kirklees Council repaired 26,087 potholes but a wet winter – and a financial crisis – has left the council struggling to repair the roads.

Drivers in Kirklees are being asked to pay more and parking charges had been due to rise from April 1st however the date has now been pushed back until later in the month.

The council’s Acting Financial Operations & Organisational Lead, Avril Furst, said: “The council is facing enormous financial pressures and we need the support of the public to help us fix the roads.

“Everyone has a part to play in keeping our roads safe and the public are invited to Sponsor a Pothole and help keep their neighbours and local community safe.

“From April 1st everyone who sponsors a pothole will have their photograph taken alongside the repair – with a big smile and a thumbs up – and we’ll share on all our social media channels.

“It’s a brilliant way to show your neighbours just how much you care about your local community.”

To sign up for the scheme click HERE.