MORE residents and motorists in Stanford-le-Hope will face disruption later this month as Thurrock Council implements another piece of its 'active travel' plan.

Recently London Road was partially closed for two weeks to allow for pavement widening and creation of a cycle path – an installation much criticised in the town as unwanted and unnecessary.

The 'active travel improvement' work on London Road.

Several roads, including Prospect Avenue, have been closed temporarily for the installation of speed bumps and 'raised tables' at junctions.

Now it is the turn of Valmar Avenue to be closed – again for a scheme that most residents don't want but which is the whim of the council's transport delivery team as they use up allocated government funds.

The road will be closed during the day for five days from Monday, 27 April.    

A spokesperson for the team says: "The active travel scheme to enhance accessibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists will be commencing from the 27^th April 2026 and it is estimated to be completed within five working days.

"During the course of the works, some disruption may occur; however, every effort will be made to minimise delays and maintain access to residential properties wherever possible.

advertisement

"Parking restrictions will be implemented along sections of the road, so it is advisable for residents to remove vehicles before works begin.

"The road will be subject to a road closure across the junction for the duration of the works. However, the remainder of the road will be free to access. A multi-way lights system will be implemented on Butts Lane to maintain traffic flow while work takes place on the junction with Valmar Avenue.

The junction of Valmar Avenue with Butts Lane

"I apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

"The Highways Authority will attend the site regularly to monitor progress and address any issues that may arise throughout the construction phase."  

Ward councillor Neil Speight said: "This whole exercise illustrates just how badly out of touch the council is with local residents. There is little, if any, local appetite for this scheme and of all the roads in Stanford that need a cycle path, I don't think Valmar Avenue is anywhere near the top of the list.

"Residents and motorists will yet again be subject to inconvenience and delay for a madcap scheme that's about as useful as a chocolate fire door.

"What is even more frustrating is that the pavements in this area and on Buts Lane are in a poor condition and potentially dangerous.

advertisement

Improving dangerous pathways next to trees on Butts Lane won't be part of the work.

"There are broken paving stones, potholes, trees that are pushing up pavements and are a trip hazard and other defects that will go untouched while workers tart about changing perfectly good pavements in the same area.

"But people's safety and 'active travel' appear to be two different things. It's maddening bureaucracy."