A MUCH-TRUMPETED crackdown on roadworks across Worcestershire has been delayed - with council staff labelling it "chaotic".

A new 'permit' scheme was due to be launched by Worcestershire County Council in October aimed at preventing utility firms from overstepping the mark.

But your Worcester News can reveal how the project has now been shelved until some time next year, mainly due to delays in recruiting enough new staff to get it ready.

This newspaper has taken calls from people working at County Hall who say they have been left frustrated at the delays.

The council's leadership first outlined its intention to launch the crackdown last year, saying they were prepared to act after years of gripes from motorists on overrunning roadworks.

One staff member, who did not want to be named, said: "We were told 'we're doing this from October' but as it got closer and closer we all thought there's no way it'll be possible.

"Now apparently we're trying to get it in place next year, but nothing appears to have been done, they haven't recruited the staff they need for it either, it's chaotic.

"A lot has been said in the Worcester News about the staff suspended over the Ketch island but this is a much bigger story, you can't say you are doing something in October and then let it drift so badly."

But bosses at the authority say setting up the scheme has proved more complicated than first envisaged.

Jon Fraser, community engagement and relationship manager, said: "There is going to be a delay in the introduction, which is related to not being able to recruit enough people to get it up and running.

"It is taking a substantial amount of work to get into place and the original timetable was a little too optimistic."

Staff have been told the aim is to get it in place by next spring.

The permit scheme is aimed to making utility firms pay a fee to secure agreement to dig a road up, which the council can attach conditions too like weekend or night working.

Bodies that over-spill the agreed time will be slapped with a fine, which could run to thousands if it ends in prosecution.

Under the Traffic Management Act 2004, councils do have powers to launch permit schemes to be in control of all roadwork projects in their patch.

Under the law the councils cannot make a profit from it, but charge enough for the permits to employ staff to draw up each agreement, and dish out fines if necessary.

Around 12,000 highways and street works take place in Worcestershire a year, many by bodies like BT, Severn Trent and the Environment Agency.