STRONG leadership by Braintree Council has given Halstead councillors hope for the town's future.

After discussing the district's investment strategy Halstead councillors were pleased to hear the town will benefit from investment in healthcare.

At a Cabinet meeting on Monday, May 23, Braintree Councillors discussed a £28million investment strategy as to how to make the district a better place.

Council Leader Graham Butland said the main focus would be on healthcare provision and councillor from Gosfield, Jo Beavis, welcomed the strategy.

She said: "It demonstrates strong local leadership, we are a growing district and infrastructure is going to be key.

"We have a site in Sible Hedingham set by in a section 106 agreement where GPs have signed up for change, and I'm hoping it will attract some new GPs into the district.

"Our GPs are ageing and our buildings are crumbling, but we can now put forward an exciting provision."

In previous months Halstead councillors felt healthcare provision in the town was taking too long to develop, particularly with the super surgery in Station Road.

Braintree Council has now planned to look at opportunities, which could include the Sible Hedingham site, to invest in projects that will generate returns for the town.

Mr Butland said: “We want to work in partnership to improve health provision across the district and that includes Halstead.

"We can’t just stand on the sidelines knowing that some of our district’s facilities need to be better.

"I hope our future investment helps unlock even more money for all our towns and rural areas.

“We’re in a unique position to invest money to deliver the improvements we all want and need and we will use that investment to create returns that we will continue to be ploughed in to our communities for years to come.

“It is early days and the next steps will be looking for opportunities to invest in all our towns including Halstead and our more rural areas.”

A much sought after community centre was also mentioned as one of the focal points.

Shirley Diver, who said just been appointed Halstead's Town Mayor, said it was positive to see the town being considered for improvement.

She said: "The community centre is coming ahead and we are feeling positive with how that's moving forward, it's really good news.

"I would like the council to consider investment in Healthcare in the Halstead surgery and hospital as a lot of people forget we have the hospital.

"I think it's good the council has located where the money is needed, we have got to be aware of the pressure put on Halstead regarding health and infrastructure as we have been a forgotten town in the past.

"We have a good surgery and hospital but there is always room for improvement."