Residents campaigning for speed restrictions on a road linking their villages have won the support of their MP.

And now they are demanding a public meeting with Essex County Council's highways officials.

Ramsey and Parkeston residents are calling for a 30mph speed limit along Oakley Road and Harwich Road - from the former Eversons Service Station to the Cherry Tree pub.

They also want parking restrictions between Mayes Lane and Hewitt Road, near Cloverwood Stores.

But their requests have so far been refused.

Ramsey and Parkeston Parish Council meeting heard the requests did not meet highways policy. A letter from the highways authority said it was "unable to justify" waiting restrictions at the suggested site.

The meeting was told Harwich MP Ivan Henderson had backed the group's cause.

One of the residents, Ann Black, handed over another petition - which now contains 800 names - to the council.

She described the policy as making "little sense".

Parish councillor George Elmer said: "They are trying to palm us off and I don't think we should stand for that."

He added it was "disgusting" highways officials had so far failed to meet with residents. It was claimed about 500 people would turn up to such a public meeting.

The parish council decided to write to the highways authority explaining their dismay at what they said was non co-operation. They would again demand a public meeting.

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