TENDRING Council's leader is urging the Government to reconsider its decision to scrap a £1.2billion project to improve the A12.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander cancelled the widening scheme which was planned for the A12 between Marks Tey and Chelmsford on Tuesday.
The project would have widened the 15-mile stretch of road from Chelmsford to the A120, which is used by 90,000 vehicles a day.
Ms Alexander told MPsthe previous Conservative Government promised infrastructure projects but had “no plan to pay for them”.
“This investment, aside from the short-term jobs and investment from construction, would help to open up economic opportunities at Freeport East and elsewhere in the district, as well as providing critical infrastructure to support longer-term housing growth across north Essex, something being driven by successive governments.
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“We are therefore disappointed by this announcement and support our partner local authorities – especially recognising our shared direction of travel with local government reorganisation – in urging reconsideration of this decision.”
Colchester Council has warned this decision will threaten to stall new housing, increase congestion and “undermine regional growth”.
Leader David King said: “The Government's A12 announcement is extraordinary.
“It undermines their own ambitions for housing and economic growth – both of which are vital, and both of which rely on the infrastructure to support them.
“Promises must be kept. Investment must be delivered.
“This is a call to arms - to councils, businesses and residents across Essex to join us in pushing for a rethink.
“We already face an uphill challenge in persuading our communities to support more homes and further development.
“I urge ministers to talk with us and other Essex councils, not abandon years of work, and to keep the A12 on the table.”
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