HIGH levels of stress brought on by drivers being forced to take evasive action to avoid annoying lumps, bumps and pot holes in many roads in and around Bromsgrove could soon end.

Steps are being taken to carry out more frequent inspections of the county's roads network in an attempt to iron out the more minor defects which nevertheless cause irritation to drivers.

A review of the county council's six Highways Partnership Unit, based in each of the district, borough or city councils in Worcestershire, show work on large scale projects has kept the county moving - but smaller works however were not adequately dealt with because of a lack of manpower.

The county council's cabinet, which meets on Friday in County Hall, have been asked to agree to the highways department being expanded to redress the balance.

The review also showed units are based on a sound concept, but the role of the Highways Partnership Forums, which act as an advisory body for the units need altering.

It also revealed the units are understaffed by between ten to 15 officers.

Jeff Romanis, head of Transport and Highways, commented: "The review has reinforced our opinion that the fundamental maintenance of the highway structure has been dealt with effectively.

"But it also showed the smaller day-to-day defects that the public are aware of were not being addressed.

"Our plan is to carry out many more inspections, record a greater range of defects and take action on defects of less severe nature than before," added Mr Romanis.