HUNDREDS of people have already had their say on how £2.5m of council money should be spent on improving roads and pavements across Darlington.

The money will be added to the borough council's usual road maintenance budget to improve minor problems on roads and pavements.

A questionnaire was sent out a week ago to every home in the Darlington borough, asking residents to nominate areas where improvements could be made. So far, almost 500 have replied.

Once all the suggestions have been received they will be put into a database and analysed by staff from the council's highways department, who will decide which areas will receive funding.

It is thought key areas will be identified by October, and that work will start by the end of the year and continue into 2007.

The money will pay for minor repairs such as roads with poor drainage, cracked pavements, potholes and kerbs and grassed areas that are in a bad state of repair.

A decision was taken to look at these problems after concerns were raised by residents. It is hoped the consultation will ensure many areas are repaired, making the streets more attractive and easier for people to get around the town.

Nick Wallis, council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We are delighted with the response so far to the survey, and we hope even more people will take this opportunity to tell us where they think this extra investment should be spent.

"The more people who respond, the more likely it is that we will be able to tackle areas that are causing concern to a great number of residents.

"Obviously, we cannot deal with all the problems that are raised, but this money will make a difference in an area of the town that is obviously important to many people."

Information about which areas have been chosen, and how the work is progressing, will be put in the council's monthly Town Crier magazine and on the council website at www.darlington.gov.uk

Anyone who has not yet received a questionnaire can get one by calling (01325) 388799, or fill it in online at www.darlington.gov.uk/transport. Residents have until the Monday, September 5, to return their questionnaire to a freepost address.