An anxious shopkeeper fears his business could be demolished as part of a controversial new road scheme in Benfleet.

Jason White, of JD Cycles in London Road, Benfleet, runs one of three shops affected by the proposal, designed to cut congestion near the Tarpots junction.

Fears - Jason White is worried his shop will be knocked down as part of road improvement work Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

One of 12 schemes put forward is the installation of a large roundabout at Tarpots - replacing the existing mini-roundabouts, leading to the demolition of JD Cycles, La Boom hairdressers and Barclays Bank.

Mr White said: "I've been here four years and I want to be here for the next 20 - I don't want to move. There's not a lot we can do about it though.

"I could join a protest but there isn't much chance if there are compulsory purchases."

Castle Point's director of technical services, Nigel Thomas, said: "We are not happy with some of the planning suggestions and we are hoping that the public consultations will filter them out. My view is that investment is needed as the structural fabric of the road is deteriorating.

"A large roundabout would mean the disappearance of three shops and would have a marginal effect on the Tarpots pub."

Another proposal would see the widening of the A13, which could cut into some London Road residents' front gardens.

Published Tuesday, January 21, 2003

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