Environmental campaigners have called for greater openness in the planning of a new dual carriageway.

A year ago the Transport Secretary said "yes" to a £200 million project to upgrade the A120 to dual carriageway between Braintree and the A12 at Marks Tey.

Details of possible routes for the new road have yet to emerge, but a hotly-contested debate is expected over whether the new road should stick close to the route of the present A120 or cut across countryside south of Coggeshall to join the A12 near Feering.

Now a Green Party councillor has said he will present a meeting of Braintree Council on September 8 with information on route options the public has not yet been allowed to see.

James Abbott, district councillor for Bradwell, Silver End and Rivenhall, said: "I've got an interesting comment from the Highways Agency in which they state things which fully justify our concerns about the extent to which they've been discussing matters behind our backs with other parties - like Essex County Council - but not with the people on the ground who I think should be consulted."

Mr Abbott said he would table a motion at the September council meeting opposing any route which would run across open countryside.

A Highways Agency spokeswoman said: "The agency is currently looking at design options for this project and is hoping to hold a public consultation later this year.

"All members of the public along with stakeholders will be invited to share their views on the proposals. The Highways Agency will consider the comments and suggestions made before the preferred route is announced next year."

Published Tuesday, August 31, 2004

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