PLANS for new zebra crossings, yellow lines and street lighting have been thrown into doubt because of a lack of cash.

Projects in Rayleigh and Rawreth were expected to go ahead with money from Essex County Council, but these have been put on hold due to a spending review.

Andrew Hilsdon from the county council’s highways department confirmed the cash crisis at Rochford District Council’s west area committee, held in Rayleigh Primary School.

Chris Black (Lib Dem, Downhall and Rawreth), speaking at the meeting, said: “I understand nothing is being signed off at the moment and hasn’t been for a few months. A lot of these are relatively inexpensive. I am surprised that there is still no money there for that.”

In Rayleigh and Rawreth, several suggestions were put forward, included putting yellow lines at the Worcester Road and Leslie Road junction and a crossing at the Rawreth Lane and Downhall Park Way junction.

Mr Hilsdon, said the council would continue to maintain the roads, but they would be having a meeting later this month to discuss what projects would go ahead.

He said: “The current financial climate, with the exception of maintenance, our budgets were pretty much put on hold to assess the impact of the spending review. We are in a very tight financial situation. There will need to be difficult decisions taken.

“The indicative budget is well into seven figures, the prospect of spending a seven figure budget on non-maintenance is probably remote.”