Funding for the regeneration of Billericay High Street has been saved from being slashed.

At a policy and resources committee meeting in June, Basildon Council proposed to cease the £365,000 funding for Billericay which was carried over from the 2016/17 budget.

Councillor David Dadds said the improvements are vital as they will add to the vibrancy of the town. He said: “The funding will go to the war memorial, lighting and street furniture to create what’s a great community space for everyone.”

The committee moved to review funding for South Green car park and Billericay swimming pool after proposing to slash them from this year’s budget.

Vice-chairman Linda Allport-Hodge said: “We’ve forecasted a £4million black hole in the budget this year and £2 million the next year. We need to be prudent with our spending.”