Essex County Council has infuriated a Basildon Labour councillor by switching cash for roads projects to rural areas.

The county has said that for road repairs, priority would go to rural areas.

But Lee Chapel North councillor Nigel Smith believes roads in Basildon are already neglected and that not prioritising them will lead to an increase in injuries.

He said: "Quite a few roads and paths in Lee Chapel North are in a dreadful condition.

"Much of Lee Chapel was built in the early 1960s and road surfaces are simply worn out. It isn't good enough simply to leave them or patch them up."

The county council says the blame lies with the Government for not giving it enough money.

Published Wednesday, August 6, 2003

Brought to you by the Thurrock Gazette