The death of an elderly woman has prompted council bosses to put plans for a Salvation Army hall on hold again over concerns about road safety.

The much delayed and revised plans for the hall in South Woodham Ferrers were due to finally be considered by council bosses last night.

But the death of 68-year-old Jean Mabey, who was found lying in the roadside in nearby Victoria Avenue last week, has prompted planners to defer the plan for another month while investigations are carried out into road safety issues.

Several local residents are opposed to the plan for expansion in nearby Hullbridge Road because they claim it will create more traffic and make the roads more dangerous for pedestrians.

However Salvation Army bosses, who have submitted a 300-name petition in support, say the expansion is vital to their continued development in the town and that they may have to find new premises elsewhere if they cannot go ahead.

A Chelmsford Borough Council spokeswoman said: "It has been deferred following this incident. Residents drew to our attention that the report into the application stated there were no road issues but obviously in the light of this incident it was felt this needs looking into further."

Published Wednesday August 14, 2002

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