A Government inspector has finally backed a controversial road scheme next to Southend's Priory Park, putting an end to five years of debate and acrimonious protests.

Allan Blackley approved proposals for an £8million dual-carriageway to tackle the notorious traffic bottleneck in Priory Crescent.

Mr Blackley, who held the public inquiry last March, said in his report: "There is no realistic alternative and doing nothing is not a credible option."

But today campaigners pledged to fight on to save more than 100 trees threatened as part of the plan.

Shaun Qureshi, of action group Parklife, said action like treetop protests could not be ruled out.

He added: "We have protested against any development in or around Priory Park for the past four years and we can say that we will see it through to the bitter end - people can make of that what they want.

"I don't want to say exactly what we are planning to do as there are still options open to us and we would want to explore them thoroughly."

Southend Council leader Howard Briggs said: "The council has been exonerated in every way by the inspector."

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