Resentment is still smouldering over the failure of Basildon District Council to put some of the £6 million made last year from the sale of land off Rosebay Avenue, Billericay, into completing the repaving of the town's High Street.

At a full council meeting last week Billericay Conservative councillors attacked the resources committee's decision not to give any money from the land sale to the High Street project.

The money has been allocated according to need across the district and a large portion is set to go outside the town with a large amount being ploughed into improvements for the council's housing stock.

Cllr Peter Patrick, of Billericay East, said: "If we are going to be positive about encouraging business into our High Street, we have to create an effective physical environment. With this money we are presented with an opportunity to complete the worst section."

Cllr Patrick promised the repaving would be a priority if the Conservatives had control of the council and warned the council would have to face large costs if sued by people injured through accidents caused by the pavement.

Resources committee chair, Cllr Tony Borlase, repeated the money was being allocated according to need.

He also claimed people in the two towns would benefit from some of the 20 schemes the council was backing including community safety initiatives and help set to be given to community shops.

Cllr Tony Ball, who represents Wickford North, argued the ideas of area committees had been ignored in setting the priorities for spending.

Cllr Borlase countered: "I find it amazing that we are told by the opposition that poverty and social exclusion exist in Billericay and Wickford, yet their highest priority is for £167,000 to repave Billericay's High Street."

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