MOST people will remember the television advert which showed a Utopian world in which contractors stumbled on the idea of working together when it comes to digging holes in the roads.

However, in North Yorkshire, the appointment of seven new inspectors could help make that dream come true, cutting down the amount of disruption on the county's highways.

The new team should be ready for action next month and their duties will include:

* Keeping road works to a minimum;

* Ensuring contractors reinstate the road properly when they have finished;

* Improving the standard of signing and guarding of road works;

* Encouraging a more co-ordinated approach.

"We're confident the team will have an immediate impact," said North Yorkshire County Council's executive member with responsibility for environmental services, Peter Sowray.

"Anyone who uses North Yorkshire's extensive road network knows there is nothing more frustrating than large sections of road being dug up time and time again.

"However, it is as frustrating for the county council as it is for everyone else.

"We hope this team of inspectors will lead to all organisations adopting a more co-ordinated approach to any road works.''

The public will also have a role to play as the county council is hoping they will report examples of poor co-ordination, finishing or safety by telephoning (01609) 532803.

The AA gave the news a whole-hearted welcome yesterday, describing the initiative as long overdue.

"The Government has been tinkering with legislation to give local authorities a little more clout for some time now so it's refreshing to find one prepared to take the bull by the horns," said spokeswoman Denise Raven.

"Most drivers will live with the major improvement projects but it's the small-scale road works which really seem to niggle - particularly when one contractor finishes and another comes alone weeks later.

"Anything which better co-ordinates road repairs has to be a good thing as it cuts down on cost.

"However, it is even better news that the inspectors will be checking the standard of the finished work as bumpy, uneven carriageways can be a real hazard, particularly for vulnerable road users like cyclists.''