Council supremo George Krawiec has hit back at criticisms about ideas to solve the problem of traffic congestion clogging up Southend.

Chief executive and town clerk Mr Krawiec spoke out as he defended the way the public had been told about Southend Council's integrated transport plan.

He stressed no jam-busting schemes had been determined yet as he delivered a speech at Leigh Town Council's annual town meeting.

He said: "On the issue of integrated transport, sometimes we are damned if we consult and damned we don't consult.

"Nothing has been decided in relation to the integrated transport strategy. What has happened is we have gone out to public consultation.

"I don't want to get into a debate on the rights and wrongs of it but we have had a whole lot of responses, particularly on certain issues."

The council came under fire after Southchurch Road traders in Westcliff protested about the possibility of bus lanes being installed which would cripple their businesses.

Mr Krawiec also raised his own personal fears about Government plans to pass on extra funds directly to schools without involving local authorities.

Mr Krawiec stressed he was speaking personally and said there were dangers with funding schools directly which could cause "significant problems" for the wider community.

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