THE deputy leader of Essex County Council has called for a fair deal for infrastructure funding to help support housing growth in south Essex.

At a full council meeting Kevin Bentley called on the Government to “to proactively support the delivery of this vital infrastructure in advance of major housing development in Essex”.

The council plans to improve a number of key junctions, including the A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange.

Last year crews completed upgrade works at the A127/A132 Nevendon junction between Basildon and Wickford. Works to improve traffic flow at A127/A129 Rayleigh Weir junction began earlier this year.

After the meeting, he said: “It is vital that the Government commits to giving south Essex a fair deal for infrastructure funding to ensure we can support business and housing growth in the local area.

“The A127 and A13 are vital arteries for businesses and commuters across south Essex.

“We cannot afford to allow these to grind to a halt if we do not put money behind long and short term improvements.”