QUESTIONS have been raised over the lack of help Essex County Council is offering to help stimulate Brentwood’s economy.

Recently the council published its Ecomonic Growth Strategy to act as a blueprint across the county to help business grow, creating more jobs, improving transport links and skills training facilities.

However, fears have been raised by councillors in Brentwood over the fact there are no measures within the document which suggest aid will be given to the borough.

David Kendall, Lib Dem county councillor for Brentwood South, said he feels like the town has been “forgotten” about, adding he feels the county council should be more proactive.

Mr Kendall said: “Having discussions I have had with the county council, it basically seems like they wanted the borough council to come up with some ideas.

“But the borough council should have been approached before the plans were put together.

“The county council should not just react to what it is told by others, it needs to be proactive when it comes to projects like this.

“I think there is this perception that everyone in Brentwood has a nice home, a car and a good standard of living in general, but the fact is there are still plenty of people and businesses who need help.”

Kevin Bentley, county councillor responsible for economic development, said it is up to Brentwood Council to suggest ideas for parts of the project it can get involved in.

Mr Bentley said: “The strategy does include a chapter on Locations for Growth, which identifies growth projects that have been promoted by district and borough local authorities themselves through the development of the Integrated County Strategy.

“We would invite colleagues at Brentwood to review the Growth Strategy and engage with us to agree shared priorities for action in Brentwood.”