Essex: £35m To Improve Roads

An additional £35 million is going to be spent over the next two years maintaining and enhancing roads in Essex.

 The announcement was made during Essex County Council's budget meeting yesterday (Tuesday February 12th).

Councillor David Finch has been telling Heart they have always invested heavily in our highways: "Back in 2004/05 we put in an additional £40 million to maintain the roads.

“So it's just recognition that the volume of traffic is increasing, businesses are sending heavy lorries through the county and we need to make sure the conditions of the roads in our county are suitable.”

The authority has also agreed to freeze council tax for a third year. There is also going to be a new scheme to help first time buyers get on the property ladder. However it has announced cuts to children's services.

The budget also outlines the authority will make £55 million savings and efficiencies during 2013/2014.