A controversial scheme to ease traffic congestion at a busy town centre roundabout finally looks set to become a reality.

Part of the wall at St Andrew's Church, Halstead, is being moved back from the road to stop it being battered by turning lorries.

The wall, on the corner of Colchester Road and Head Street, is frequently clipped when drivers turn right towards Colchester.

Now Essex County Council has disclosed plans to rebuild the wall and protect it with a special ten-inch kerbing system.

And cash has already been set aside to finance the project, which should take two months to complete.

But county council chiefs must first tackle two problems, including the fact the wall is in a conservation area.

They must also liaise with church commission officials because the scheme involves moving graves.

Plans are expected to be finalised in the next fortnight and it is hoped work can begin in either September or October.

Senior engineer Bob Wiltshire said: "We are very keen to get this job done and hopefully it will be a case of sooner rather than later. The wall is to be curved away from the road and, at the junction with Head Street, will be moved back a maximum of 1.8m."

Town council clerk Bernie Gaught added: "I think the officers are to be congratulated on coming up with this scheme in such difficult circumstances."

And county council vice-chairman Joe Pike, who had voiced his anger at the delay in making the scheme a reality, said he was "extremely pleased".

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