NEARLY 90 per cent of people said they were pleased with meetings held about widening the A12 during a public consultation.

Highways England held seven events throughout the county with more than 1,800 attended and roughly half of those submitting formal responses about the meeting regarding plans which would see the major trunk road widened between Marks Tey and Boreham.

Some 89 per cent of people who submitted their feedback were happy with the consultation events.

Road bosses believe the plans would help reduce congestion, improve safety and boost the economy.

Programme leader Richard Hofton said: "I want to thank everyone who took part in this consultation.

"We heard some really interesting views and suggestions during the events and I was encouraged by the amount of people who took time out of their days to come and see us and then also contribute formally to the consultation.

"Local feedback is vital to achieving a successful scheme.

"We will now me analysing all the responses we received and share the results of this, announcing what our preferred route is this summer.”

The four options for the new lanes include widening the A12 are widening the existing road to three lanes in each direction which could mean the removal of direct access, and homes along the route will have to be bought.

Option two includes a three-lane bypass from Witham, re-joining the A12 at Kelvedon South with a second bypass will be between Kelvedon and Marks Tey.

The third and fourth options are a single Rivenhall End bypass or a single Marks Tey bypass

Feedback will now be used to help Highways England and the Government decide which of the four options to move forward with, with an announcement on their preferred choice expected this summer, and it is hoped work can start by March 2020.