ROCHFORD has been given more than £400,000 to improve roads.

Essex Council gave £428,000 to Rochford local highways panel for 2015/16.

The money can be spent on a variety of improvements, ranging from new zebra crossings and cycle paths to tackling traffic.

In Rochford, the cash will be spent on projects including new steps and a footpath at the railway station, dropped kerbs in the High Street and road signs in Canewdon, Ashingdon and Stambridge.

Councillor Eddie Johnson, county councillor responsible for highways, maintenance and small schemes, said: “Our local highway panels have contributed greatly to making the county’s roads safer by prioritising local work.”

Terry Cutmore, Rochford Council leader, added: “A local view on how budgets are spent on Rochford District improvements is most welcome. This enables improvements that are requested by parish and town councils as well as councillors applying their local knowledge and the wishes of Rochford District Residents.”

The panels make recommendations and set priorities for minor highway schemes in their areas.

Panelists are county and district councillors who meet quarterly to discuss and consider worthy projects within their districts.