3:00pm Tuesday 31st July 2012
RESIDENTS have welcomed almost £460,000 being invested in Castle Point roads which will see new crossings at dangerous spots.
New highways panels have been set up by Essex County Council allowing local communities and councils more say on road schemes in their area.
It has awarded Castle Point £457,351 to kickstart projects to improve road safety and ease jams across the borough.
The money can be used on initiatives such as traffic management improvements, tackling congestion, improving road safety and reducing road casualties, cycle schemes and improving public rights of way.
So far, members of the Castle Point Highways Panel have approved three major schemes, including a new crossing opposite the Holy Family Catholic School, in Kents Hill Road, Benfleet ; a new crossing with traffic lights in Somnes Avenue, Canvey , and painting yellow lines outside Halfords. in Rayleigh Road, Benfleet, to ease access.
Mum, Mairi Hallett, of Castle View Road, Canvey, who petitioned for improvements to the crossing in Somnes Avenue, said: “We are so pleased to have finally been granted approval for this crossing. It is such a busy road and it is so important we make it safer, because lots of families use it every day to get to the two schools nearby.
“This is my first petition, so it is great to have such a good outcome and know we will be making a difference with this funding.”
Since the panels were set up earlier this year, more than £1million in new road schemes have been approved across Essex.
Conservative councillor Bill Dick, chairman of the Castle Point highways panel, said: “Since these new highways panels have started, we have been able to make decisions on new road schemes much quicker, which is fantastic.
“More importantly, they are made by councillors who really know the area and know what needs to be done.
“These crossings do take up a large portion of the funding, with some costing about £125,000 to install, but there is still money left for more improvements. So far, the new highways panel has been off to a flying start.”
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