PARISH and town councils are set to be given thousands of pounds to cut grass and repair footpaths under a new pilot scheme.

In total 18 different authorities across Essex have signed up for the scheme.

Under the plans Essex County Council will hand responsibility for some highway services to the councils for 12 months, beginning on March 1.

County Hall described it as a "shift in power towards local communities".

There are just under 300 town and parish councils within Essex and their powers include maintaining allotments and open spaces, crime prevention and providing recreation facilities.

Essex County Council did not confirm how much cash it was handing councils or which authorities had signed up.

However the Gazette understands the councils will be given up to £6,500 to cut grass, control weeds and carry our minor footpath repairs.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: "Essex County Council (ECC) is pleased to have created an exceptional opportunity to work collaboratively with local communities and promote engagement between them and local government.

"Together with the Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC), ECC is working with 18 parish and town councils to pilot a shift in power towards local communities.

"The pilot will last for 12 months, starting March 1.

"Each parish and town council plays a hugely important role within their local community and each has the option to support the delivery of highway services such as grass cutting, weed control, minor footway repairs, in line with their local priorities.

"Their involvement will seek to increase local satisfaction with these services, generate greater community pride in local areas and help the county council to focus resources where they will add most value.