A bid for £10million of European cash is being sought to bring the A120 up to scratch.

Essex County Council has asked the Secretary of State for Transport to back its bid for funding to improve safety and develop options for improving the 12-mile stretch between Braintree and Marks Tey.

The council said the Millennium Way slip road and Galleys Corner roundabout in Braintree and the Earls Colne junction in Coggeshall are among the stretches that need improving.

Rodney Bass, cabinet member for highways, said: “What is needed is endorsement to improve the A120 and this funding will help secure its development.

"A proposal has been submitted to the Department for Transport for response and approval.

"This bid is critical to the development of the A120."