When I return in a week, will I see any evidence that any of the money has been wisely spent....?
Simple answer ~ no.
Correct answer!

The thing that struck me most was the disgusting state of the roads - full of fecking pot holes...
Yet they've obviously spent a millionteen Pounds on white paint, speed restrictions, signs that light up and say you are going too fast for the corner (I'll decide what is too fast), etc.
If they spend half of the money that is wasted on restrictions and nannying on repairing the roads they'd be a lot better off...