RESIDENTS in Stockton could soon be able to report problems with the roads on the internet.

Stockton Borough Council is looking at ways in which residents can easily access information about roadworks, report faulty roads and pavements A scrutiny review, carried out by the regeneration and transport select committee has looked at the operation and maintenance of the borough’s roads and pavements. The committee looked at evidence covering areas such as how the council inspects and maintains the highway system, its working relationship with utility companies and financial issues such as risk and insurance.

Recommendations included a web mapping system allowing residents to report problems with roads and pavements and contact details of who is responsible for repairs.

Surveys show that residents rate road and pavement maintenance as the council’s fourth most important service.

Satisfaction with the borough’s road and pavement maintenance has increased with 55 per cent of those surveyed in 2008 saying that they were satisfied - up from 43 per cent in 2006.

Mike Robinson, Stockton Council’s head of technical services, said: "We all need to travel around the borough - to get to work, school and visit family and friends so it’s not surprising that residents tell us that road and pavement maintenance is one of the council’s top ten most important services.

"Although the scrutiny review highlighted high levels of resident satisfaction - and many good areas of good practice - the committee identified twelve ways to improve.

"These suggestions will see the council work more closely with utility companies and other authorities in the Tees Valley to strengthen the council’s network and performance in this area."