A consultation into how hundreds of thousands of pounds will be spent to refurbish a rundown parade of shops has begun.

Braintree Council estimates the facelift at the precinct in Spa Road, Witham, could cost about £200,000.

It comes six years after a £20,000 share of the Community and Housing Investment Partnership (Chip) Fund – run jointly by the council and Greenfields Community Housing – was withdrawn.

Now Braintree Council and Greenfields have committed a combined £150,000 to the project.

The council is currently asking residents how they would like the money to be spent.

See the Witham Times for the full story.