Parking, safety and highway improvements have come out on top following public consultation on the plans for the areas around Spa Road shops in Witham.

Braintree District Council and Greenfields Community Housing secured £150,000 to improve the convenience and appearance of Spa Road shops in Witham. Witham Town Council has requested a further £50,000 of S106 funding to be committed to the project.

Following a consultation in Summer 2015 plans were drawn up and again opened up for residents’ comment from April 26, 2016 and June 2.

Ninety-nine people gave feedback and their views will be used to prioritise the work.

All of the proposals were supported by a majority of people:

• 99% of people support a lighting scheme which compliments an urban environment
• 97% of people would like to see the area around the shops landscaped
• 88% of people would use the shops after dark if the changes were made
• 88% of people would use short stay spaces if provided
• 87% of people support the creation of drop-in parking bays at the front of the shops

Cabinet member for Environment and Place Cllr Wendy Schmitt said: “We know from analysing the consultation responses that our plans are strongly backed by the community. Residents have told us that providing short stay parking, improving the appearance of the area and better lighting will mean they would use the shops more. I look forward to seeing the work started soon.”

The top four priority proposals are:

• Parking improvements
• Safety improvements
• ‘Drop-in’ parking
• Highways improvements

Cllr Schmitt continued: “The most popular and effective proposals will be implemented first and where project funds allow, we will look to implement the additional elements suggested by the public.”

Read the consultation report here: www.braintree.gov.uk/sparoadshops

For more press information or enquiries contact Marketing & Communications, Braintree District Council on 01376 557752 or at marketing@braintree.gov.uk