IT has been confirmed by a local councillor that plans for traffic calming measures in a busy borough residential area have now been put on hold – for a number of years.

Throughout 2021 and over previous years, particularly after the implementation of speed restrictions on the parallel Southend Road, residents in the Branksome Road area of Stanford-le-Hope have expressed concern about the amount of traffic in their area and the speed at which it travels.

So much so that the area was earmarked for a substantial chunk of a government road safety grant which the council had secured from Covid Tranche 2 funding under the government's sustainable transport scheme and a scheme of measures were drawn up by the authority.

However, the proposals, which included shutting off a number of adjoining roads and creating cycle lanes, found little favour in a public consultation where a majority of those who took part were against them.

At that point it seemed like any scheme was dead in the water but council officials came back and suggested amendments and more consultation.

However, that process ended without a positive result and local Homesteads ward councillor Gary Byrne has announced the end of the council's interest.

He says: "I can confirm there is no plan B for traffic calming on Branksome, all of your three Homesteads Councillors agreed the plan cannot happen and are in full agreement and support with residents."

And he said while a scheme may be considered at some point in the future should funding become available, it will not be for some time, adding: "Branksome is now eighth on the list which basically means it will be eight years plus before any new plans or funding is considered

"Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation. You highlighted many issues and reasons and we have listened."