Braintree is set to receive £1 million from the Department of Transport to improve roads and pedestrianise parts of the town centre.
The bid was submitted by Braintree District Council and Essex County Council for a share of the £93 million Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund.
The investment in new and improved roads supports plans to pedestrianise part of Braintree town centre, to enhance walking and cycling links, helping to improve air quality and tackle congestion.
The plans include the possibility of a proposed contraflow bus and cycle lane at Fairfield Road in Braintree.
Braintree District Council recently held a consultation giving residents and businesses the opportunity to say what they would like to see in their town centre to help shape the design plans. The survey results will be published shortly.
Councillor Tom Cunningham at Braintree District Council said: “It’s great news that Central Government has awarded us with this funding which will support our investment into Braintree Town Centre.”
“Our aim is to make the town centre a place people want to visit and socialise and our pedestrianisation scheme is key to that.”
“We’ve been working closely with our partners such as Essex County Council to make sure we get this right, and this extra funding will help drive the transformational change the town centre needs while also improving the condition of the high street.”
Cllr Kevin Bentley from Essex County Council said: “Investment in Braintree town centre is testament to the role of local high streets – the life blood of our communities – and how important it is that we continue to maintain them now and in the future so that they can thrive.”
Final design concepts are currently being worked on, taking on board comments from the consultation, with phase 1 of the construction works to begin in April 2020.
To keep up with all the latest news across Essex, please like our Facebook Page or join our Essex Breaking News group.
