BRENTWOOD local highways panel is set to benefit from £450,000 of funding which can be used on a variety of minor highway improvement schemes.

The money is being allocated by Essex County Council for 2015/16.

The money can be used on schemes ranging from new road signs and cycle paths to casualty reduction projects, passenger transport enhancements, public rights of way schemes and tackling congestion.

Schemes planned for Brentwood LHP include extending the pedestrian island on Roman Road in Mountnessing and installing a zebra crossing on Seven Arches Road.

Planned schemes also include setting a 40mph speed limit on Great Ropers Lane, with an advisory 20mph limit outside the Ursuline Preparatory School.

Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance and Small Schemes, Cllr Eddie Johnson, said: “Our Local Highways Panels have made a valuable contribution to making the county’s roads safer by prioritising local works.”

The Leader of Brentwood Borough Council, Cllr Louise McKinlay, added: “We welcome all funding that benefits our residents and aims to improve safety on our roads. The Brentwood Local Highways Panel benefits from local councillors using local knowledge to make local decisions”.

LHPs are responsible for making recommendations and setting priorities for minor highway schemes in their areas. Panelists are county and district councillors who meet quarterly to discuss and consider worthy projects within their district or borough boundaries.