A “major drive to blitz Middlesbrough’s potholes” is set to be launched within six weeks, the council has said.

Under proposals to be considered by Middlesbrough Council’s Executive, a 20-week programme will see “a full audit of every pothole in the town” and every ward in the town targeted in succession.

Over the coming month all repairable potholes will be inspected, with a dedicated, skilled team assigned to the repair programme.

One week will then be allotted to each of Middlesbrough’s 20 wards, with back-up provided by experienced highways staff as required.

The town-wide purge will be spearheaded by deputy mayor, Cllr Antony High, and the executive member for environment, Cllr Dennis McCabe.

“Now the worst of the winter weather is behind us, the time is right to sort out our roads once and for all,” Cllr High said.

“Potholes are a costly menace for drivers and cyclists, and they shouldn’t have to put up with them.

“For the first time we’re going to do a full audit of every pothole in the town, and then fix as many as we can in a single 20-week programme.

“I know that’s something residents will welcome, and it should enable us to manage the problem more easily in future.”

Cllr McCabe said: “This is a great initiative which I know will have a lot of support from the public.

“I’ll be proactively involved in ensuring this approach continues well beyond the initial 20-week programme.”

Subject to Executive approval, work is expected to start in April.

Mayor Andy Preston added: “Everyone is sick of potholes across Middlesbrough. This action marks the start of improvement – finally.”

A report on proposals to tackle potholes across Middlesbrough will be considered by the council’s Executive this month.