A BOROUGH councillor is urging residents in his ward to offer their views on planned road improvements in the area.

Independent councillor Gary Byrne represents the Homesteads ward in Stanford-le-Hope and has long been calling for safety improvements on Branksome Avenue, a key access road through the large residential area.

He is one of a number of local councillors who have been working with the councilk's highways team for a number of years. The local Corringham, Fobbing and Homesteads Community Forum have led on the issue.

Its secretary Penny Patridge says: "Forum members are delighted that after many years of campaigning and consulting with Thurrock Council, a firm proposal is in place to put traffic calming measures in Branksome Avenue. This has been a regular and consistent topic of conversation at forum meetings for many years, frequently raised as a concern by meeting attendees.

"It has taken forum members and SS17 Councillors countless meetings with TBC Officers, where traffic data has been analysed, budget priorities have been discussed and residents' concerns have been raised. Credit has to be given to forum members and the S106 sub committee for their persistence in challenging the council when budgets themselves are challenged."

"If you are a resident in the Homesteads area, please look out for consultation documents.

A number of different options for road improvements in the area have been proffered in the past, most notably a 'cycle-led' scheme in 2020 which found little favour with residents and it was ultimately rejected – with money intended for the project switched to another part of Thurrock.

However, Thurrock Council's transport delivery team has secured new funding to implement highways improvements on Branksome Avenue as part of the Active Travel England aim of making walking and cycling a preferred option for people to get around.

Cllr Gary Byrne has been a longstanding campaigner for safety improvements on Branksome Avenue.

The proposed scheme is detailed in another new proposal and changes have been welcomed by Cllr Byrne.

He says: "It has taken me six years to get to the point where a genuinely resident-friendly scheme is finally on the table. Now it's vital that residents make their views known.

"The proposals include:

• Physical traffic calming features including 'entry treatment' - raised crossings on all side roads joining Branksome Avenue (except Fourth Avenue and Central Avenue#

• Additional side build outs with speed bumps along Branksome Avenue

• Introduction of a 20mph speed limit on Branksome Avenue."

Cllr Byrne adds: "This consultation is your opportunity to influence what happens next. Please take a few minutes to have your say. Email your views by 19 January to [email protected]

"Resident feedback really does matter on this one, I will fully support residents who live on and constantly suffer on living on the avenue and filtering roads, together we are stronger

The consultation appears to have been kept local with a mailshot direct to residents and Cllr Byrne urges anyone who has not yet done so to respond.

The regular monthly meeting of the Community Forum takes place on Monday, 12 January and further discussion about the proposals is set to take place. Residents are invited to attend.

The meeting at the New Hall, The Sorrells, SS17 7ES, will also be hearing from the Community Engagement Lead from DP World on the night. Anyone visiting is advised that parking in not available in the adjacent Corringham IMC.

Meanwhile, as reported on Thurrock Nub News last month, Thurrock Council is also asking residents to take part in a borough-wide transport consultation in the hope of creating a 'smarter strategy' up to 2040.