We are delighted that Braintree has been successful in securing £1million from the Department for Transport.

The bid was submitted by Braintree District Council and Essex County Council for a share of the £93.4million Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund from the Department for Transport and has been secured against stiff competition across the UK.

As district councillors for the area, we would like to congratulate council officers from both Braintree District Council and Essex County Council for their successful joint working on town centre renewal initiatives, culminating in this successful bid.

This investment will help towards improving town centre roads and pedestrianisation and will support funding already agreed by Braintree District Council.

It is a great tribute to all those who have supported the town over a number of years and have desperately wanted to see Braintree change to meet the challenges of the future.

Particular credit must go to the Town Centre Partnership and all our retailers and businesses who have pulled together to meet the challenges facing town centres.

We are also very grateful for the support and encouragement of our local Member of Parliament, the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, who has always been unswervingly supportive of Braintree town centre and particularly in making strong representations to Central Government to secure this successful bid for funding.

This is such an exciting time for Braintree. Not only can we look forward to pedestrianisation and that much-awaited renewal of our fine old town centre, but also breaking ground on the Manor Street regeneration project this month. Wonderful times ahead for Braintree.

Cllr Andrew Hensman, Cllr Saif Rehman, Cllr Justin Wrench, Cllr Kevin Bowers, Cllr Dean Wallace, Cllr Mary Cunningham, Cllr John Mckee, Cllr Wendy Schmitt, Cllr Lyn Walters, Cllr John Baugh, Cllr Ian Pritchard, Cllr Graham Butland, Cllr Tom Cunningham, Cllr Frankie Ricci, Cllr Paul Euesden

Braintree District Council