RESIDENTS in villages east of the borough have welcomed a police initiative over the weekend which saw officers mount checks on rural roads and catch a number of speeding motorists using the villages as alternate routes because of the A13 closure.

Residents in Horndon on the Hill and Orsett have felt the brunt of being 'rat-runs' while the A13 widening project has been underway.

On Sunday officers from Essex Police responded to concerns from villagers.

A statement from the force on social media said: "Concerns were raised by residents about speeding in Horndon and Orsett whilst the A13 is closed for roadworks.

"We have been there to tackle this issue. Several drivers were spoken to, one reported for 43 in a 30 near the recreation area in Horndon and two reported for 45 in a 30 in Baker Street. £100 fine and three points to come."

Residents by and large have welcomed the initiative and called for speed checks to be extended, particularly on the A1013 from Rookery Corner at Stanford to the Orsett Cock roundabout, which currently has a 30mph safety limit on it.

Villagers in Bulphan have also asked for their village streets to be checked.