MORE than £400,000 could be spent improving roads throughout the district.

At Braintree’s Local Highways Panel tonight, councillors will decide whether or not to approve spending £437,500 on projects aimed at tackling traffic management, improving public rights of way, footpaths and implementing quiet lanes.

In total, 26 potential schemes have been validated as being feasible and available for consideration. Two projects include traffic management schemes for Guithavon Valley and Mill Lane in Witham - roads notorious among residents.

However, Witham town councillor Michael Lager thinks the proposals are “absurd.”

He said: “They are not listening to local people in relation to Mill Lane and Guithavon Valley who have been trying to get them to improve traffic.

“I know they are trying but they are not succeeding. They need to listen to people who live there and use those roads.

“There is the absurd proposal to put domes where it joins Mill Lane. At the moment there is not a problem with the roundabout. I have used them myself. There are no problems that need raised domes which will cost a lot of money.

“Members who live in the area and experience problems every day have suggested what needs doing, in particular in Mill Lane where it’s a narrow road.

“At the moment there is quite a bit of congestion arising where people park for the station.”

The scheme would see an existing bend warning sign in Guithavon Valley removed and a new one installed at the boundary of 25 and 27 to face southbound.

All white lines and mini roundabouts would be refreshed and domed to encourage drivers to manoeuvre around them, and bend signs in Mill Lane would also be replaced.

No proposals were made to tackle parking along the road.

Mr Lager added: “There should be double yellow lines along the whole road and a ban on parking for one hour a day.”