AFTER more than two years and much prevarication, excuses and denial of responsibility, the Buckingham Hill Road and Stanford Road junction new traffic lights were due to be switched on today (Wednesday, 19 August).

However, in yet another move that leaves Thurrock Council red-faced - the authority announced today that the switch on will not now be happening.

A statement from the council says: "Today's planned commissioning of new permanent traffic lights at the junction of Buckingham Hill Road and Stanford Road has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances outside of the council's control.

"We will continue working with third parties to ensure that the lights can be commissioned as soon as possible."

This afternoon the council issued a further statement, saying: "The temporary lights will remain in place until Wednesday, 26 August when the new permanent lights will be commissioned and come into use. Thanks for bearing with us."

The saga of the long-running lights has been well documented:

End in sight

Junction debacle goes on