That figure is the equivalent of driving the distance between Guildford and Manchester.

The scheme, which was unveiled by leader David Hodge at today’s Full Council meeting, will last up to six years and focus on pavements most in need of repair.

Next year alone the authority will overhaul nearly 75 miles of footpaths, with those in the worst condition being torn up and reconstructed from scratch.

Improvements will be made in busy shopping areas and outside schools, hospitals and doctors’ surgeries.

It comes after residents raised concerns and follows the council’s Operation Horizon project which has already built more than 200 miles of pothole proof roads.

Pavements set to be improved include:

• Southway near the University of Surrey and Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford

• Godstone Road, a link to Caterham town centre and railway station

• Ewell’s Banstead Road, which passes Banstead train station

• Windfield, near Leatherhead Community Hospital.

John Furey, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We’re working incredibly hard to provide smoother road surfaces and now we’re turning our attention to improving hundreds of miles of pavements that are used daily.

“In the first year we’ll be targeting those most in need of improvement and those used the most, such as in town centre shopping areas and outside schools or hospitals.

“Not only will this help mums taking their kids to schools and older people visiting their doctor or hospital but it will also give town centres and shops a boost and while money is tight we knew we had to take action.”

Plans for the footpaths being covered in the other years of the programme have yet to be decided and will go to each of the county’s 11 local committees for their input.