Traffic chaos could soon be eased - despite Basildon losing out on a £10 million Government cash bid.

More than £500,000 could be ploughed into improving the district's road network if county councillors give the go-ahead to a jam-busting scheme early next year.

The district had pinned its hopes on winning a multi-million pound five-year package to boost public transport and ailing roads.

However, Government transport minister Glenda Jackson turned down the appeal after listening to similar requests from a host of authorities across the country.

Southend, Castle Point and Rochford were among the winners, bagging £1 million to halt traffic congestion.

Basildon and East Thurrock's Labour MP Angela Smith , who was among the delegation of MPs and councillors who met with Mrs Jackson two weeks ago, said she was hopeful a winning bid could be made next year.

She said: "It was clear the minister listened to what we had to say and was sympathetic.

"However, there are serious transport problems across the country and a lot of worthy schemes like ours.

"We will not let up in pressing our case. It's a case of thank-you very much for the £500,000 and we will come back for more next year."

Council chiefs had hoped to pour the cash, matched by private investment, into improving six main routes criss-crossing the district.

County councillor Ray Howard said he would urge county councillors to give £500,000 of surplus cash from the bid to Basildon.

Mr Howard, chairman of the county's highways and transport committee, said: "I'm disappointed for Basildon and I thought we put a very good case to the Government and there is no doubt the minister listened to what we had to say.

"I hopefully will be able to persuade my committee to support the district when they meet in January."

The notorious Tarpots in Benfleet will be the chief winner in the handout.

Engineers are carrying out a report into traffic problems at the Benfleet blackspot and will report back to the committee in January.

Mr Howard said: "The news is so immediate we are still absorbing the impact and once we have time we will be able to comment on specific details and determine priorities."

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