WORK on a pioneering £2.5m scheme to improve the streets of Darlington will begin next week.

Almost 1,000 residents completed a questionnaire telling Darlington Borough Council about areas they felt were in need of improvement.

The council said the Let's Get Cracking project has given residents the chance to set the agenda for road and footpath repairs.

Common worries included flooding, broken or cracked pavements, uneven roads, potholes and grass verges in a poor state of repair.

Contractor Alfred McAlpine has been appointed to work with the council on the scheme.

Work carried out will include resurfacing roads and footpaths, replacing damaged kerbs, hardening verges and enhancing drainage systems.

The £2.5m investment is higher than original targets to spend £2m on highway maintenance this year, and officials are already drawing up the next list of locations to be targeted.

Nick Wallis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Hundreds of residents told us which areas they wanted to see improved and we want to thank everyone for taking the time to do so.

"I am looking forward to the work beginning and seeing the positive impact it will have on the numerous areas that are included in the first stage of the scheme."