COUNCIL bosses have announced a £1.5m investment in improving roads across Darlington.

The borough council is ploughing £1m into repairing, maintaining and improving the area's road network.

A further £500,000 is being spent on improving footpaths and on gully drainage improvements to prevent seasonal flooding.

The roads scheme is designed to halt a general decline in the quality of surfaces, as well as repairing damage that has occurred during the winter months.

The footpath work will include some resurfacing to improve the appearance and safety of the routes.

Areas to be specifically targeted are those that have been dug up a number of times by utilities companies.

A council spokeswoman said: "Although the paths are always reinstated and inspected after these companies have carried out work, over time, and after numerous excavations, it becomes difficult to maintain a satisfactory surface."

The money will be spent over the next two years and has come from central government and council funds.

The additional cash will help to focus on improving Darlington's national performance indicator on road conditions, which was at a low level in 1997.

Senior council chiefs pledged that the investment would bring major benefits to local residents.

Transport spokesman, Coun Nick Wallis, said: "Over the past seven years we have worked hard to maintain and improve our network of roads and footpaths to a standard that compares favourably with other areas across the country.

"This additional cash will help us to continue this work.

"With around 500km of roads and 600km of footpaths under our care, it is essential that we continue to invest money in the improvement and maintenance of our roads and footpaths.

"These form an important part of the borough's infrastructure and affect the quality of life of all residents."