RESIDENTS in Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham, who were hoping that the blight of truck noise on a busy local road would be ended by renovation work, have spoken of their disappointment.

Earlier this year a large stretch of the Manorway which runs between Stanford and Corringham and links the A13 with the London Gateway port and the proposed new Thames Enterprise Park, was resurfaced in a bid to eliminate noise caused by HGV traffic.

Part of the cost of the project was met by DP World who run the port, but the council – despite saying the project was brought in under budget – have remained tight-lipped about what the project actually cost.

At the conclusion of the work in June, council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill enthused about the quality of the job, the speed of the process and the fact it had been brought in under budget – without declaring any figures.

"The work carried out on the Manorway has been done to the highest possible standards and will create real and long lasting benefits for all those that live near the road and any traffic which uses it," he said.

And his colleague, regeneration portfolio holder Cllr Mark Coxshall, added: "This has created a new road that is even quieter, more hard-wearing and will stand the test of time, benefitting residents and businesses for years to come."

However, those words don't ring quite true with residents at the port side of the Manorway who have taken to social media to say the noise continues.

Among residents who have spoken up is Lucy James who says: "The Council told residents the whole length of the Manorway on both sides to the Sorrells traffic lights would be re-surfaced.

"They have not fulfilled the promise to local residents.

"The road works took place in June and within weeks we are hearing the banging of metal again as both the council and the port only completed 3/4 of the job.

"They need to resurface to the traffic lights and re-visit the road that now has 3 surface levels going to the Port, just before the port sign.

"It's bad enough and noticeable in a car, let alone a HGV.

"How was this shoddy work signed off?

"We are accepting that a traffic noise is inevitable, but, if they had completed the job to a decent standard we would not be hearing the crashing sounds again now. They also need to do something else with regards to noise barriers. Alternatively, build another road from the port and divert the traffic elsewhere."

Those comments have been echoed by other residents – and local councillor Gary Byrne who says: "There is no excuse. After years of waiting the council's project management or lack off is being highlighted once again.

"It is not good enough, though the Homesteads end is silent, to be fair."