A MASSIVE £28 million fund set up by Braintree Council still has no projects earmarked for Halstead.

In May, the council unveiled its district investment strategy, pledging to find schemes which would improve the lives of residents while bringing in income.

The authority has outlined proposals to invest in two new surgeries in Braintree, including the redevelopment of its bus park, and has pledged £3 million towards a health hub in Witham.

However, six months on, none of the cash has been earmarked for any schemes in Halstead.

A Braintree Council spokesman said: “We are continually exploring opportunities to invest in our communities and infrastructure across the district, including Halstead.

“We have also set aside money to invest in the community centre in Halstead. Investment will be targeted to meet the priorities of the district as a whole.

“In terms of improving healthcare provision in the district we will continue to work in partnership with NHS providers and commissioners.”

The council is planning to put forward £686,000 towards Halstead’s long-awaited community hall and fund changes to Halstead High Street in schemes which are not funded by the district investment strategy.

A request for capital funding for some accessible pool pods at Halstead Leisure Centre is also on the agenda.

Councillor Jackie Pell said the council was willing to invest in Halstead. She said: “They invested into our new community hall and the money has been there for a few years.

“They built a swimming pool for us which we kept on at them for so they could not say no. If there was something here I am sure they would assist in any way that they could.”

The strategy will be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.