MORE lighting, parking spaces and trees could spruce up a road much in need of attention.

Spa Road in Witham has been an area of concern for residents and shop owners for years, and after months of consultation Braintree Council has released proposals to improve it.

Plans include new paving and more trees, added lighting around the shops for better security, and added parking.

The council plans to add 10 drop-off parking bays outside the front of the shops, an extra 31 spaces to the current car park, and separate parking for residents behind the shops.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Robert Williams, councillor for Witham central, was thrilled with the improvements.

He said: "I think this is a very strong response to people who have been concerned. It's a forgotten about area so this will bring it back to life.

"It can only help the shop keepers in the area as well, as by increasing the security of the area with lighting and make it more aesthetically pleasing it will attract more customers for the night time economy.

"Parking has always been a concern as it's always been overloaded so this is great news. I'm very pleased."

Braintree Council and Greenfields Community Housing secured £150,000 in funding for the improvements, and Witham Town Council has requested a further £50,000 of Section 106 funding is committed to the project.

William Babbs, who lives in Spa Road, said he was very keen to see improvement.

He said: "So far the plans look really good, I think the extra lighting is better and it would make it more appealing at night time as a lot of people avoid that area.

"They are going to make it brighter, better and safer and it will look really nice as it is in need of improvement."

An initial consultation ran over the summer last year, with additional meetings with residents, schools and businesses in January.

The council received 525 responses.

Moira Jones, manager of the Boots pharmacy in Spa Road, said: "It is very dark out here at night so any lighting would be good for customers.

"The extra parking would also benefit customers as commuters usually use that car park, meaning they have to park on the road which isn't safe.

"It's a dreary area at the moment and it would be nice to see it improved."

Members of the public can see the plans and comment on them at www.braintree.gov.uk/sparoadshops The full consultation will end on Tuesday, May 31.

Braintree Council officers and Witham Town Councillors will be holding a consultation event on Saturday, April 30 at the Spa Road shops from 10am until 2pm.

Cllr Wendy Schmitt, cabinet member for environment, said: “There has been strong local support from residents and businesses for improving the area around Spa Road shops.

"It is important any improvements we make have the backing of the community.”

After consultation the feedback will be assessed and a report will be published.