SLOWCOACH contractors are to fund a near £1 million boost to Lancashire's roads and pavements.
Lancashire County Council says utility companies have been charged a total of £947,000 since 2001 for not meeting contract deadlines.
But the money has only been released for highways improvements this week.
County Cllr Jean Yates, from Heysham, the county's Cabinet member for highways says: "We will be spending the money on patching holes in the road and improving pavements - and on more inspections of work done by utility companies.
"If those inspections reveal more over-runs we will have yet more money to spend."
She adds: "Utility companies who drag their feet have to be made to buck up their ideas."
The extra £947,000 will be spent over the next three years.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article