A PACKAGE of road improvement schemes worth £470,000 has been unveiled.

Braintree’s Local Highways Panel has revealed a potential scheme list, which councillors must review before sending it to Essex County Council.

The total value of potential schemes within the district stands at £471,500.

They include a £30,000 cycle- way from Vernon Way to Blackwater Way in Braintree.

The plans also include a £10,000 revamp of the notoriously-dangerous Chipping Hill Bridge in Witham, pictured right, and a £36,500 upgrade for the town’s Mill Lane and Guithavon Valley mini roundabouts.

However a much-wanted scheme to improve the roundabouts at Springwood Drive industrial estate in Braintree has been blocked.

Braintree councillor Tom Cunningham wanted the visibility at the mini roundabout to be improved, and for the two lanes leading to the roundabout from Springwood Drive to be extended.

A report found the road was too narrow for two lanes, especially as the industrial estate was used by many lorries.

There are, however, plans to make another entrance or exit point for cars at the other end of the estate when a housing development is built.

Toby Pache, managing director of Sharon Lee on the industrial estate, said: “I think the obvious solution is to just create another exit so half the traffic goes one way and half the other way.

“Anything to try and keep that area clear would be beneficial.

“Traffic coming out of the estate gets blocked by cars turning right around the roundabout into town.”

A scheme to install a crossing at a dangerous road in Witham has also been put on hold.

Councillors wanted a pedestrian light controlled crossing at Hatfield Road, and a £10,000 upgrade had been earmarked.

However a report by the Local Highways Panel said: “A toucan crossing is being considered by the roundabout along Hatfield Road, which would link the two new estates on both sides of the road.

“Therefore officers recommend we await the toucan installation before considering upgrading the current pedestrian refuge west of Augustus Way.”

The pedestrian refuge only allows two people to safely cross at a time.

With the number of parents and children using the crossing it has become a safety concern.

Ward councillor Ron Ramage said it was frustrating. He said: “The traffic along there is pretty horrendous at any time of day.

“We have had representations by parents and we feel the safety of the children is paramount.

“We would like it done but there is also only so much money in the pot and you need to be able to justify it. It just makes you realise it needs to be done with all the new housing developments.”

Plans to spend £150,000 to improve the A131 roundabout next to the Hungry Horse in Great Notley have also been put on hold while the scheme is designed.