Southend Council's cabinet has given unanimous backing for controversial plans to widen Priory Crescent.
Despite months of fierce campaigning, the scheme - which will see the road turned into a dual carriageway - is likely to go ahead.
Members of the cabinet, who met yesterday afternoon, also pledged to replace any trees which have to be felled on a two-for-one basis.
More than 20 protesters turned up to the meeting at the Civic Centre in Victoria Avenue, Southend, prompting it to be moved to a larger committee room.
The widening of Priory Crescent, with improvements at the bottleneck Cuckoo Corner roundabout on the A127, is a cornerstone of the Local Transport Plan.
Technical services director David Watts warned the whole £36million package of Government investment could be at risk if it was not agreed.
But in recent months, there have been furious rows over the scheme, which could have cut into Priory Park.
It has since been amended so the road does not touch the park.
Roger Weaver, cabinet member in charge of transport, said some vandalism on trees in the area had been caused by protesters sticking signs on them.
The cabinet's backing for the scheme will now go before scrutiny committees before a final decision is made by the council in April.
Opposition Labour and Liberal Democrat groups are likely to oppose it.
Published Wednesday, March 6, 2002
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