THERE'S a hole in the road, and the council is looking into it ....

It sounds like an old and tired joke, but as far as North Yorkshire County Council is concerned, it's a serious matter.

So much so that council bosses have just appointed a team of inspectors to ensure the works are completed on time and done properly.

The council says roadworks cause more disruption and frustration than just about any other single topic which it has to deal with, and many organisations have a right to work in the highway - whether it is to lay a new electricity or telephone supply or repair a fractured gas main.

As the highway authority the county council is responsible for the co-ordination of works in the highway, for ensuring the works are of a reasonable duration and for ensuring the reinstatement of the road complies with national standards.

It now has powers to ensure that contractors do not exceed the time agreed for carrying out roadworks.

To enforce these new powers the county council has appointed seven inspectors, based in each highway division across North Yorkshire.

Their job will be to keep any roadwork disruptions to a minimum, ensure contractors reinstate the road properly, improve the standard of signing and guarding of works, and encourage a more co-ordinated approach from contractors.

Councillor Peter Sowray, the county council's executive member with responsibility for environmental services, said: "The team will be operational from the beginning of September and we are confident they will have an immediate impact."

Coun Sowray called on members of the public to help by reporting any examples of poorly-co-ordinated work, badly-constructed reinstatement work or work which was been carried out without proper signs or guarding. They can contact the team on 01609 532803.

Updated: 11:29 Monday, August 11, 2003