A councillor has admitted “some aspects” of a highways service have not worked as well as they could have.

Cllr Terry Douris, cabinet member for Hertfordshire County Council’s (HCC) highways services, responded to claims that the department had delivered a poor service in areas such as Stevenage, where disintegrating roads and the use of traffic information signs continue to be sources of controversy.

A meeting was held last week to discuss the service, which road maintenance contractor Ringway took over last October.

Cllr Douris said: “We’re a year into the new contract and we do still have some concerns. While a significant number of faults have been fixed and an extensive amount of maintenance work has been completed, we’re aware that some aspects aren’t working as well as they could and we’re working hard to put them right.

“We’re not complacent and we always want the very best services for Hertfordshire’s residents. We’ve resolved to keep a close eye on the situation and I would like to express my thanks to the cross-party member advisory group and members of the overview and scrutiny committee for their role in this.”

Stevenage county councillor Sharon Taylor said: “I was astounded at the idea that any councillor would suggest the highways agency could be considered to have been effective, efficient or good value for money. I would be very surprised if the majority of Stevenage people felt like that, particularly in view of the numerous problems we have had – roadwork delays in Six Hills Way is just the latest in a series of issues that have arisen in the last couple of years.”

Residents are encouraged to report any complaints using the council’s online system at www.hertsdirect.org/highwayfaults