A pensioner who is battling for a third road off Canvey believes the route would have eased congestion fears with on-going construction work in the area.

Waiting for a third road for 11 years - Canvey resident James Robbins Picture: ROB BROWNE

James Robbins, 84, of Whernside Avenue, Canvey, said he hoped with the effect of the on-going works at the Pitsea flyover on the A13 and work due to start on Long Road today, the local authorities would wake up and press ahead for a third access road for the island.

He said: "I have been campaigning for a third road for years, ever since I have lived here, which has been for the last 11 years. Traffic is a nightmare by about 4pm for a few hours and there is only one route off.

"We need a third road to take away the amount of congested traffic from Sadlers Farm, which is always blocked day and night.

"This isn't helped by the new A130, which has meant a lot more traffic for that area. About 50 per cent of traffic goes from Sadlers Farm to Canvey island and we need a third road to remove all of this congestion. The road is very necessary. The works to Long Road wouldn't have made a difference if we have a third road."

Mr Robbins believed it would be best to run a third road from the roundabout at Charfleets straight across open land to end somewhere near the A13, near to the crossover bridge.

He added: "It would make it much easier for traffic and emergency vehicles because they have a hell of a job to get on and off the island. Something needs to be done - the traffic here can be really terrible."

Chairman of highways for Castle Point Council, Ray Howard, said: "I think until an acceptable location and route can be identified it is very difficult.

"Canvey is on the constituency border of Basildon, Southend and Grays and we need their backing. Previous ideas have been rejected.

Published Monday August 23, 2004

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