THE end appears to be in sight for one of Thurrock's longest-running traffic problems.

In the winter of 2019 work began to install traffic lights at the junction of Buckingham Hill Road and Stanford Road (A1013) which was part of the planning permission granted to Persimmon Homes when they wanted to build new homes in East Tilbury.

The increased traffic from the village was perceived by the council's highways team to necessitate increased traffic control measures at the junction.

It took until the houses were almost completed before Persimmon commissioned a local firm, Henderson & Taylor, to carry out the lights installation and then there was a rush to meet a completion deadline of Friday, 22 February 2019 – so the work didn't clash with the beginning of the A13 rewidening project.

That deadline came and went but the work was then declared finished – but unfortunately when BT inspectors came to sign it off they found the work did not meet safety standards.

So temporary lights were left in place – and they have been there ever since! They frequently fail and there have been a number of accidents (some quite serious) at the junction.

Last March Thurrock Council said: "The on-road works have now been completed in line with the permit application made by the developer. However, they have yet to be granted approval by BT for the utility service diversions required. The utility boxes have been cordoned off until approval is granted.

"We have instructed Persimmon to maintain temporary traffic lights until the matter is resolved and permanent signals can be installed.

"We are working with both parties to ensure the outstanding works can be completed as soon as possible. If we are not satisfied then we will consider further action to resolve the issue."

Spring and summer came and went and nothing happened. Thurrock Council frequently denied that fixing the problem was their responsibility – saying it was down to Persimmon and the contractors.

In September last year – after frustration from motorists, residents and even Stanford ward councillor Shane Ralph who described Thurrock's Conservative administration of shocklingly bad management, saying: "I really do feel for residents. From the outside, Thurrock, under this Conservative administration, looks increasingly like 'Carry on Council' rather than a responsible unitary authority."

In response Thurrock Council once more said they were doing all they could. But again they denied it was their responsibility – saying: "These works are being delivered by Persimmon Homes who are funding and implementing the scheme, with the council acting in a supervisory role to ensure it meets acceptable standards.

"Due to a delay with the developer the council has issued Persimmon Homes with a default notice in regard to the legal agreement of Section 278, and extended the time for appropriate surveys to be completed. Once the results of such surveys have been received work can continue with the commissioning of the signals."

So the saga dragged on and the coronavirus situation came along to confuse matters even more – with a new set of temporary lights being put in pace in April this year to facilitate the reopening of the Linford Civic amenity tip which is just a few hundred yards up the road.

During the daytime Buckingham Hill has become part of a one way loop system to allow traffic management.

And on Monday it was announced that the one way system would remain in place for 24 hours a day – though no reason was given.

The reason became apparent this morning (Wednesday, 1 July) when workmen turned up and started digging up the junction.

And that was followed by an announcement from the council that work is finally under way to sort out a permanent solution to the lights problem.

It read: "Works to complete the new traffic light system on Buckingham Hill Road in Stanford-le-Hope have finally started. BT has confirmed contractors are on site to complete the new traffic light installation at the Stanford Road junction.

"Thurrock Council has pressed Persimmon Homes, who are responsible for delivering these works, and BT to resolve the ongoing utility diversions on this road since 2019 and will continue to monitor progress to ensure there are no further issues for local residents."

That brought a trumpet of triumph from council leader Rob Gledhill who said: "It's great news to hear that these works are finally taking place. We know that this junction has caused significant disruption for our residents and we will continue to apply the necessary pressure on Persimmon Homes and BT to ensure the new traffic lights are in place and completed as soon as possible."

Works will continue for the next eight weeks says the council, which added: "The current one-way system that is operating along Buckingham Hill Road will be in operation 24 hours a day to facilitate works and will be reviewed throughout. The only exception is during full weekend closures of the A13 for the widening works."