Council bosses have won a major bid to help improve the town centre pedestrianisation scheme.

Braintree Council have announced they will receive £1 million from the Department of Transport.

This comes after the Council and Essex County Council submitted a bid for a share of the £93.4 million Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund from the Department of Transport.

The investment in new and improved roads supports plans to pedestrianise part of Braintree town centre, to enhance walking and cycling links helping to improve air quality and tackle congestion.

This includes the possibility of a proposed contra flow bus lane and cycle lane at Farfield Road.

Braintree MP James Cleverly said: "I welcome the news that Braintree District Council have been awarded £1million from the Department for Transport, a share of the Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund.

"This investment for essential repair works will fund the pedestrianisation of the High Street in Braintree Town Centre.

"This is yet more positive news regarding the regeneration of our High Street."

Braintree Council recently held a public consultation giving residents and businesses the opportunity to say what they would like to see in their town centre to help shape plans.

The results will be published shortly.