A PROPOSAL to bring Essex County Council's Highway Rangers under the management of Basildon Council to boost its expanded Pride Team has taken a step forward.

Basildon's Leisure and Environment Committee approved the recommendation (reported on Basildon Nub News earlier this month) that the proposal to transfer the two-man team will be made at full council pending endorsement by the committee.

They will undertake their usual duties working together with the council's Pride Team.

Chairman of the leisure and environment committee Cllr Craig Rimmer said: "The Highway Rangers carry out a vital role for the borough. By bringing them in as an extension of our already extended Pride Team it will maximise the impact they can have and complement the work our teams are already doing to keep the borough clean and tidy."

The Highway Ranger Service provides practical support to the Local Highway Panel and is currently funded through the ECC Revenue Budget.

Highway Rangers typically carry out a range of tasks including: Cleaning and minor repairs, reinstatement of posts and bollards, trimming vegetation to improve highway visibility removal of graffiti from road signs and painting of street furniture.