AN analysis of the state of England's roads by an insurance website reveals that Blackburn with Darwen has roads in the second worst condition in the country.

The study of government statistics by Comparethemarket's motoring team says that 76 per cent of the borough's highway network is in need of improvement.

That is beaten only by the City of Bristol at 78.5 per cent.

Blackburn with Darwen Council growth and highways boss Cllr Quesir Mahmood said: "As a council we are committed to improving the highway condition of our network."

Cllr Paul Marrow, his opposition Conservative group counterpart, said: "This is a sad indictment of Blackburn with Darwen's roads."

Lancashire County Council - responsible for highway maintenance in 12 boroughs including Ribble Valley, Hyndburn, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale - has 25 per cent of roads in need of improvement while 75 per cent are in good condition.

That makes it the joint 21st best in England.

Redcar and Cleveland’s roads are the least in need of improvement with 90.5 per cent in good condition.

The analysis and local authority ranking was compiled from Department of Transport data on the percentage of roads needing improvement by combining roads considered 'red' (further investigation is required to ascertain if work is needed immediately) and 'amber' (may need work sometime soon).

Cllr Marrow said: "This is a sad indictment of Blackburn with Darwen's roads.

"It is not an enviable position to be in as having the second worst highways in the country.

"This makes the council's claims to be spending money improving the borough's roads ring hollow."

Cllr Mahmood said: "This survey is not wholly representative, as 68 local authorities did not supply data and of those that are in the top ten, there is a lack of consistency in the road surveying methods used - making the results not comparable.

“As a council we are committed to improving the highway condition of our network, and are working closely with partners to identify innovative solutions and ensure that the limited funding we have is utilised most effectively.

“We have a committed team of highways maintenance staff who are continuously assessing the roads.

"Alongside planned maintenance we also undertake regular safety inspections and repair any actionable defects.

“The funding we receive is used as economically as possible, however, it does only allow us to treat a small percentage of our road network each year.”

Julie Daniels from Comparethemarket said: "Unfortunately for Blackburn with Darwen drivers, their roads are among the ones in the worst condition.

"It is possible to claim for damage caused by potholes and poor road surfaces through your car insurance, but it might affect your no-claims bonus.

"If you’re attempting to claim from the council, you'll need to take plenty of pictures of both the road and the damage to your car and note exactly where the pothole is and get a few quotes for how much it will cost to fix.”