THURROCK Council is to consult residents in Stanford-le-Hope about possible improvements that can be made to roads.

The area of the Stanford West ward has been identified for highway improvements under the authroty's ongoing 'Area Intervention Programme'.

Letters will be delivered to residents, saying: "We are seeking your views as residents living in the area on what safety/access highway issues or problems you are currently experiencing and your thoughts on any changes you would wish to see implemented for your road and the neighbouring roads in your residential area.

"If you have any comments or suggestions you wish to contribute you can either directly email comments in quoting Stanford-le-Hope (West) Engagement."

Residents are being invited to take pictures to illustrate their comments and suggestions. They can be sent by email to [email protected] or alternatively by post to Stanford-le-Hope (West) Engagement, Thurrock Council, New Road, Grays, RM17 6SL by Tuesday, 31 October.

Stanford West independent ward councillor Neil Speight welcomes the move by the council and he has urged residents to take part, saying: "Since I was elected in May, the issue of the wards roads and the infratructure around the ward has been a significant topic.

"Residents in the area have many issues, many of which I have already raised with officers and had site meetings, but to be frank it's a slow and attritional process - particularly given the council's financial plight.

The letter being sent out by the council.

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"One particular area of concern has been the High Street, where in my view a number of small changes including a realignment of bollards and some double yellow lines could not only improve traffic flow but would make it a lot safer for pedestrians and drivers alike.

"I have met with officers there, shared my and residents' thoughts and supplied plenty of evidence but even though I am a councillor, it feels a bit like being a lone gun.

"Another area that has been a longrunning sore is Wharf Road.

"I know and appreciate many residents there will feel this is just another sop because they have real and justified complaints and have done for a long time and the council has been dilitary and ineffective in helping them. But no battle is ever lost. I genuinely believe ultimately residents can make a difference against 'city hall' - but it takes effort, faith and perserverance.

"I fully get that a lot of people will see this and say 'here we go again' and feel they will be wasting their time because no-one listens, so they bunker down and almost give up.

"However, what I have found is that if enough people call for action, change can eventually happen.

"This survey is an opportunity to build pressure and effect change through weight of numbers and evidence so please, if you have a complaint or an idea find the time to make your point.

"If filling in the forms online or writing a letter is a problem I will happily help. Please call me (07885313435) or send me the details ([email protected]) or my fellow ward councillor Terry Piccollo ([email protected]) who I am sure also welcomes this initiative and will be only to glad to take up residents' views."

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