IMPROVEMENTS to a notorious traffic bottleneck are on the cards with hopes of lobbying the Government for cash towards the scheme.

Top level talks have been held to look at short-term solutions to improve congestion at Manningtree railway underpass.

At the meeting co-chaired by Harwich and North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin and South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge, concerned partners agreed to look at temporary solutions, while work is ongoing to find a permanent answer to the issue.

As well as Tendring Council and the MPs, representatives from Essex and Suffolk county councils, Network Rail, Greater Anglia, Babergh District Council, the Department for Transport, Haven Gateway and the Essex Rail Users’ Federation were also present.

They agreed to put together a proposal to lobby the Government on the issue and to seek a funding contribution towards creating a business case for a scheme at the site. Funding for technical and feasibility studies to inform the business case would also be sought. Carlo Guglielmi, Tendring’s deputy leader, said: “The problems associated with this crossing and the nearby junction on the A137 have long been raised by local residents, rail passengers and motorists, and taken on board by elected representatives.

“Any solution will require a number of different partners working together, not least several councils, railway and road bodies, and across borders. As such, this round-table discussion was most welcomed and I feel it was very positive.

“I am pleased there was recognition that while there are opportunities here for a long-term solution, the people of Manningtree, Lawford and Brantham cannot wait that long, and that work is to be carried out to look into temporary solutions in the meantime.”

“We must use the momentum from this meeting to carry on pushing to make the most of this opportunity to improve this congested junction and improve the economic possibilities of the area.”

Greater Anglia has stated concerns about extra train movements at railway crossing as one reason work has halted on a new £70million maintenance depot in Brantham.