A NEW team of Highway Rangers are patrolling the district after an initiative was launched to ensure minor repairs and maintenance are carried out.

Uttlesford District Council is working with Essex County Council to provide the rangers – a team of two men and a van – who will visit towns and villages on request to undertake minor works such as trimming back overgrown vegetation on public footpaths and roadside verges.

They will also remove litter and small fly tips from highway land, clean and make minor repairs to street furniture and clear weeds or vegetation from pavements.

Cabinet Member for community safety, Councillor Alastair Walters said: “Some of the jobs the team will be dealing with are potentially low priority but have a high impact for the local areas.

“Being able to deploy the Highway Rangers will make a huge difference to our residents and will ensure that the Uttlesford District continues to be a pleasant, clean and safe area in which to live and work.”

However, Cllr Walters added that fixing potholes did not fall within the rangers’ remit and should still be reported to Essex County Council.