Plans to improve the environment of the villages near the route of the northern section of the new A130 - due for completion in the autumn - are now out for public consultation.

In a bid to direct through traffic to the new road, and give the long-suffering villages a quieter life, a number of proposals are being put forward to deter the use of the old A130 and back lanes through villages like the Hanningfields, Retten-don, Bicknacre, and Woodham Ferrers.

They include road narrowing, conversion in places to footpaths and bridleways, and even closing a section of the present road in the Highlands Farm area.

An exhibition is being held in affected areas to allow local people to comment.

Essex county councillor Ron Williams, cabinet member for strategic planning and transportation, said: "It is important for members of the public to attend this exhibition and become actively involved in the shaping of their own futures. Any opinions shared will be considered in the development of final proposals for the schemes.

"Our aim is to use the opportunity of the new road to improve the safety and general environment for the surrounding villages on the old A130.

"However, before any progress can be made we first need to know what local people want."

The exhibition will be at East Hanningfield Village Hall on Wednesday, March 14, and Thursday, March 15, from 1pm until 6pm, on Friday, March 16, from 1pm until 10pm, and on Saturday, March 17, from 9am until 2pm.

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