THE governments commitment to improving the area's road infrastructure in its autumn statement has been praised by local MPs.

The Department for Transport announced last week that the long awaited work to widen the A12 between Chelmsford and Colchester will begin before Marsh 2020.

Witham's MP Priti Patel praised the government's commitment to the project and said it was vital for the local economy.

She said: “The upgrading and widening of the A12 through the Witham constituency will support economic growth and reduce delays and congestion.

"It will be a major boost for business and help create more jobs.

"I have been campaigning for improvements to the A12 and the commitment and investment shown by the Conservative Government to deliver this project is welcome.

"Early next year Highways England will be consulting on the proposed widened route and I hope road users and local residents will be fully engaged in this process.”

James Cleverly, MP for Braintree, also praised the Chancellor of the Exchequer Phillip Hammond's commitment to spend £1.1billiob to reduce congestion and upgrade local road networks.

Mr Cleverly said he would also continue campaigning to ensure the A120 receives the funding necessary for improvements.