Labour has blasted Essex County Council after £1 million ringfenced for road and pothole repairs went unspent.

As the county council prepares its budget for the upcoming year, it has emerged there was a £1 million underspend on highway repairs on what councillors have described as ‘some of the worst roads in the UK’.

Cllr Ivan Henderson, leader of the Labour Group at Essex County Council, has hit out at what he labelled a ‘negligent’ decision.

“If you asked any councillor the most common issue that is raised with them, it is always the state of the roads and footpaths” he said.

“Roads across Essex are left in horrific states of disrepair, while pavements across the county are hazardous for pedestrians.

“It’s likely the Conservative-run administration will put the underspend down to Covid-19 but considering contractors have been able to work since late Spring, this is no valid excuse, especially an underspend this large.”

Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Kevin Bentley said the pandemic had slowed down the pace of work of maintenance crews.

The cabinet member for infrastructure said: “Our crews have had to social distance among themselves and avoid close contact with local residents. Another issue crews faced is many more cars parked on the roads as people stay at home, which makes arranging clear roads for surfacing difficult for everyone.”

“Covid-19 restrictions caused these issues and we had to postpone some town centre and estate road resurfacing.”

Labour Cllr Lee Scordis said he did not but the excuse and felt residents please for roads to be fixed had gone ignored.

“It defies belief that almost £1 million has not been spent on some of the worst roads in the UK”, he said.

"Residents and I report them and are told again and again that they are not urgent. Apparently nowhere in Essex is if they are holding back this much.”

Cllr Bentley added: “Highways crews are keyworkers, and like all keyworkers, we owe them a great deal. They have kept the county moving this past year and have kept up with a demanding highways maintenance schedule. When the restrictions are over and our county is once more vibrant and dynamic, people will be travelling on improved priority routes thanks to the great efforts of these keyworkers.

“We will come back to these roads this year to improve them and our workers will continue their hugely-valued work.”