The condition of roads and footpaths in a south Essex town are "among the worst" in Essex, according to a leading county councillor.

Now the chance to mend the damage in Shotgate has emerged with new roads budget money, community leaders are demanding action to fix the problem.

The damning verdict on Shotgate's roads comes from Ray Howard, former chairman of the county transport panel and now chairman of south Essex area forum, who is writing to county council roads bosses urging them to act.

Meanwhile, Wickford councillor Tony Ball said spending money now will probably save the council £500,000 in the long run - the amount estimated by Basildon Council bosses for compensation claims in falls on roads and pavements in the district in the past year.

Mr Howard's comments came after Mr Ball invited him and county transport bosses to see the state of the roads in Shotgate themselves last November.

Mr Ball said: "I am cautiously optimistic Fanton Walk and Fourth Avenue will be repaired this year. They are the worst ones in Shotgate. However, we have to be realistic and accept not all of Shotgate will receive funding this year. But I am happy our cause has been highlighted."

Mr Howard said: "I do regard the roads I saw in Shotgate as being some of the worst and I believe Tony Ball is right to badger the county about it."

Richard Llewellyn, Basildon Council's executive member for transport who controls funding for footpath maintenance said there was a list of areas which needed priority maintenance and Shotgate was one of those.

Published Tuesday, March 5, 2002