A COUNCIL is to write to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott asking for money to improve the condition of roads in its area.

Sedgefield District Council, in County Durham, wants some of the £180bn cash injection for local transport announced this week to upgrade its road network.

Speaking at a council meeting, Councillor Garry Huntington urged the authority to write to Durham County Council about the deteriorating roads.

He said: "Our roads are in a shocking state and I'm tired of the condition of them. They're worse now than they were two decades ago."

Councillor Don Fraser said: "If we are talking about the roads for which Durham County Council are responsible, there is no doubt that we are one of the worst areas in the country due to underfunding. We are not talking about main highways, we are talking about roads that affect you and I, and the people we represent, on a daily basis."

Councillor Bill Waters, lead member for regeneration, said a recent survey revealed that roads in the borough were worse than the national average.

He said: "Durham County Council are fully aware of that situation and we are in constant touch with them on this particular issue."

He said the county council was preparing its local transport plan and suggested the borough council should go further and write to both Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and regional development agency One NorthEast, asking for extra resources.