Barnet Council has agreed to invest £4.5 million in improving roads and pavements as well as in helping young people not in employment, education or training.

At last night’s cabinet meeting the proposals, which were part of a service improvement fund, were agreed.

They will focus on the financial years 2012/13 and 2012/14.

From the fund £3.5 million will be made available for mending roads and pavements across the borough.

This is a response to a recent survey which indicated that improving the borough’s roads and pavements was a top concern for residents.

This sum is in addition to a £3 million fund for roads and pavements which was agreed in January.

The remaining £1 million in the new fund will be used to support 16 to 24-year-olds who are not in employment or education.

The money will offer financial support to Barnet businesses which take on a young person as an apprentice or intern.

It is hoped that the money will give unemployed people their first experience of the world of work.

Finally, the fund will also be used to support voluntary organisations which give unemployed young people work experience.

Barnet Council, Leader Richard Cornelius, said: “Our residents have told us that improving the condition of the borough’s road and pavements is a top priority.

“The bad weather over the past few winters has damaged our roads and pavements and we need to fix them while we can.

“We are investing in the future of our borough through helping our young people and fixing our roads and pavements.”