MONTHS of debate and clashes of opinion about potential traffic calming measures on a busy residential road have ended with no change - despite the availability of hundreds of thousands of pounds to improve safety.

The problem of speeding vehicles on Branksome Avenue in Stanford-le-Hope has been a local concern for some time and some residents believe the danger has been exacerbated since average speed cameras were installed on the parallel Southend Road.

At the start of the year it looked as if road improvement measures would bring an end to the concerns but a decision on what to do and how to implement change has dragged on and on and now, with little consensus for change, it seems the status quo will prevail.

In February councillors in the Homseteads ward where Branksome is located welcomed news that Thurrock Council had gained approval to use a chunk of money - up to £250,000 - from the Covid Tranche 2 funding the council had secured from the government's sustainable transport scheme.

Part of the cash was used to prepare a number of traffic calming proposals but they received a lukewarm, if not overtly critical reception from residents - not least because they involved turning a number of roads into cul-de-sacs.

In the wake of the proposals the council agreed to consult with residents - and today (Tuesday, 23November) Homesteads ward councillor Gary Byrne has reported the lack of a positive response means the proposals will be scrapped and the money spent elsewhere in the borough.

The independent councillor took to social media to say: "Finally we have the full details from the consultation. The number of people taking part was very good and proves residents will stand up and be counted when needed.

"3,322 homes were consulted and 145 were in favour and 618 against. 77 per cent did not respond.

"Therefore this plan will not go through, all three Homesteads councillors are fully on board and support the residents on this.

"There is no Plan B , the funding will now pass to West Thurrock and Branksome will stay as is.

"Thank you for everyone's input, the plan was always about a safer avenue but the council's highways team failed to find a resident friendly plan."