I have raised a number of points with Braintree Council with regards to who is responsible for a number of matters, namely: cleaning footpaths, cleaning street and road signs, cutting hedges, stopping pavements being overgrown with grass, and tending to gardens in small shopping areas.

It seems for footpaths and hedges all that needs to be done is a request submitted to the council.

That is, unless it is a private estate or maintained by Essex County Highways.

The Riverwalk falls under Braintree’s control. Road signs and some footpaths and overhanging branches are the responsibility of Essex County Council.

Small gardens are tended to by a private company. So, whoever pays for it, I would ask, what are you paying for?

It seems Braintree Council wants to invite new developments into towns such as Witham and accept gratuities from developers.

For example, new road links for new estates and something towards the health needs of the town, which is a positive note.

However, from a recent overview of a proposed development, it seems a new pharmacy that is to be part of one development, will actually be the re-location of a pharmacy.

This means another empty premise in the already neglected Dorothy Sayers shopping area.

The new houses are surrounded by new footpaths and planted areas and have sales spiel such as: ‘We aim to create new communities with improved facilities that benefit both new and existing residents.’

Some of us take pride in where we live but have seen a decline in the care of our town.

Cutbacks seem to be the general reason given. So why encourage more people to live in areas where there is a shortage of infrastructure, healthcare and policing?

Who is responsible for the upkeep of the original estates and frontages of houses with regard to litter, footpaths and signage?

That is apart from those who volunteer to keep the town respectable and the parts maintained by the council on request.

Maybe some of the £6 million will help regenerate and keep Witham a place to be proud of.

Perhaps we could be given a breakdown of how the promised gratuities are given, by the developers and the council.

One such example on Maltings Lane is a £1.4 million contribution from Taylor Wimpey to enhance local primary education, early years and childcare facilities.

It is also for public open space, recreation areas, transport, highway and cycling facilities.

Yes, I see a need for new early years and childcare facilities but the primary school appears to be Chipping Hill just relocated. It will keep the name of Chipping Hill School but it is nowhere the original building on Church Street.

This means that area is losing the facility of a school.

I note the reference to improving facilities to benefit both new and existing residents.

By Katrina McManus Cressing Road, Witham