Braintree Council has insisted it remains committed to investing in Witham, despite claims Braintree is the authority's priority.

Earlier this month the Times announced plans are being investigated to pedestrianise Braintree High Street and the council is pressing ahead with its Manor Street redevelopment scheme, which is set to cost more than £11 million.

Concerns have been raised over a bias towards the district's largest town, and Witham Town Councillor Paul Ryland believes people are concerned Witham is being left behind.

He said: "I do not think Witham gets the same attention as Braintree, if it did I would not hear so many people complain to me about it.

"I think the council needs to take a more active role in the town.

"I would like to see them step in and create more things for young people in Witham as I think that is what is missing.

"The council is in the process of selling half of the former Bramston Sports Centre to Lidl.

"There does not need to be another supermarket built in the town.

"We could have had a facility for young people or something which could be a community asset."

Braintree Council said its drive to support and develop each town was equal, however the opportunities available in each were different.

John McKee, councillor responsible for corporate services and asset management, said: "We are looking to invest in a Witham Enterprise Centre, which will benefit from a £500k investment through our District Investment Strategy, as a place for new and existing businesses to establish and grow.

"We’re also working with the NHS and doctors on new healthcare facilities, exploring the delivery of new homes and considering investing £100k into improving Witham Town Park."

Mr McKee said the council had a strong record of investment in the town, including spending more than £9 million on Witham Leisure Centre, £0.8 million at Easton Road car park and £300,000 at the Spa Road shopping area, in recent years.

"We have just introduced a new street market in Witham to bring more people into the town and increase the footfall for businesses," he said.

"If it’s successful, we’ll look into bringing it back as a regular event throughout 2019. Proposals to increase car parking and a new pedestrian signage scheme in the town are also on the cards for improvements in the town.

“We’re always exploring more opportunities to invest in Witham, as well as our communities and infrastructure across the district.

"Not only does it increase opportunities for our residents and businesses but it also creates returns that we will continue to reinvest into our communities.”