A study of north Essex has highlighted problems that may be putting the area's beautiful villages under threat.

Finchingfield and Thaxted were two of the villages named in the study which is featured in the latest volume of Countryside Character, an assessment by the Countryside Agency on the state and future of rural areas.

Problems include the influx of tourists, erection of mobile telephone masts and power lines and the conversion of historic farm buildings to houses, which the agency says changes the character of an area.

The major threat that concerns the agency and village residents is the congestion at popular tourist sites, with pressure to accommodate cars and coaches.

The report says that visitor pressure and car parking in these areas would benefit from proper management.

John Finbow, a councillor for Finchingfield, said this was the problem that concerned residents the most.

"We feel the tourist board should supply provisions for car parking. Finchingfield residents do not really want the tourists, but we should have proper parking for those who do visit," he said.

Senior countryside officer, David Vose, hopes the report will be able to improve the conditions and prevent some of the problems.

He said: "This is a report which we hope can help other people, from county planners right down to individual householders, make decisions about where they live that will blend together and improve Essex."

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