MORE powers over improvements to roads and pavements are to be handed over to local committees.

Under a new initiative, called Localism, area committees will advise transport chiefs on their preferred work schemes for the year.

The scheme has already been piloted in Castle Point for the past year, with Rochford district the latest to have its say.

The Rochford committee is being set up after the highways authority, Essex County Council, announced it had £1.7million available for maintenance and £300,000 for minor improvements.

District councillor for transport, Keith Hudson, will use the committee’s recommendations to determine priorities for the Rochford area and advise the county council.

Mr Hudson (Con, Hockley Central) said Localism would give the committees more influence over “those who hold the purse strings”.

He said: “I’m particularly enthusiastic about this new scheme.

“The county council cabinet member for highways, Norman Hume, now actually recognises we have been long-forgotten.”

Work the committees recommend will be passed on to the county council’s highways rangers.

Two rangers in each district are responsible for sorting out small potholes, repairing surfaces, removing graffiti, cleaning signs and making other similar improvements.

Among the work schemes for 2009/10 are new kerbs and resurfacing of the A1245 Chelmsford Road, a new carriageway for Creeksea Ferry Road, and resurfacing of Lower Road in Hullbridge, Ashingdon Road and Castle Road, Rayleigh.

At an east area committee meeting last week, members also voted to support the proposals.

Anyone who wants to report highways problems should call the Highways Helpline, on 0845 6037623.