TEN per cent of roadworks in North Yorkshire are below standard, the county council said.

North Yorkshire County Council’s street works team has begun toughening up inspections of work on roads and footways by utility companies and individuals to ensure they are up to standard.

Core samples from a random selection of reinstated roads across the county will be taken and if work falls below the required standard, the company responsible will have to redo it.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie said: “Up to now, about one in 10 reinstatements has failed the visual inspection. In the short-term, we expect our more rigorous inspection regime may lead to more defects being found, but we are confident that in the longer term it will drive up standards, improve competence and protect the longevity of our roads.”