A multiI-million pound plan to build an overpass or underpass at the notorious Sadlers Farm roundabout is being put on hold until Government ministers get more information.

The project is one of four in Castle Point put up for funding in the Essex bid for roads cash from the Department of Transport which was announced today (Thursday).

Ministers have indicated they are in favour of all four schemes, including a dual carriageway along Canvey Way, an extension to Roscommon Way and a new bus route to Pitsea.

But they say they need more information and more consultation to be carried out locally before they will earmark any funding to the schemes, said Castle Point MP Christine Butler .

However the borough will get a slice of a £27million roads fund for Essex this year - up from £10million last year - which is earmarked for smaller roads schemes and maintenance countywide.

The funding for small road schemes alone rises from £5million last year to £13million this year.Mrs Butler said: "I am arranging for an urgent meeting between ministers, highways chiefs and myself to discuss all the schemes but I think the 165 per cent increase in the integrated transport plan funds is excellent news."

She added: "We are hoping to get the go-ahead for Roscommon Way but the Government wants to have more information on traffic management first before funding is given."

Castle Point Council leader Dave Wells said: "This shows the Government is listening. All the lobbying is paying off. We need to get more information on the schemes but they have said yes in principle which is good."

Full details of the Department of Transport decisions will be released later.

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