Harlow MP, Robert Halfon, has welcomed Essex County Council’s commitment to invest more money into repairing roads and pavements in Harlow, ensuring the safety of pedestrians, drivers and their cars given the very poor state of Harlow’s roads.
New funding will kick start repairs across the town; however, Mr Halfon has doubled down on his commitment to building an even better Harlow, pledging to do all he can to maximise the scope for repairs and ensure the management of Harlow’s roads is sustainable.
Following a recent council meeting, Essex County Council has confirmed an increased investment of £9 million for highway and footway repair, which will:
- Provide £4m for the Member-led pothole scheme, and a new scheme for footpaths.
- Secure additional investment for general highways maintenance and service.
- Refine the roles and responsibilities of Local Highway Panels to improve efficiency and influence.
Welcoming the announcement, Mr Halfon said, “I am proud to call Harlow my home but, like many local residents, I am becoming increasingly frustrated by the state of our roads. Not only do potholes make driving around town uncomfortable, they are also a danger to road users and pedestrians.
“Following a winter of freezing temperatures, causing damage and breaks in the tarmac, our roads are worse than ever. The funding announced today will help in repairing potholes, but much more must still be done which I will be pushing for.
“I would to thank Cllr Lee Scott and Cllr Steve LeMay who has done a great deal of work to encourage Essex County Council to repair more potholes and I will work with him to push Essex further and ensure Harlow roads are repaired.”
Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Cllr Lee Scott, commented, “At the heart of delivering this investment is the work that will continue with Members across the council to address the defects in their local areas and deliver roads and footpaths for their local residents that are safe.
“I am pleased, however, that Essex County Council is able to go further and provide increased investment for maintenance and repairs of the county’s roads and footpaths over the course of the next year.”
