A DECISION about the future of Hadleigh fire station and an Essex Ford showroom is expected within weeks.

Following a public inquiry in August, a Government inspector is currently considering an application to relocate the station to Stadium Way, in Thundersley, and build a car showroom on green belt land.

If approved, it is expected the plans - submitted by Essex Fire Authority and Essex Ford - would create up to 80 jobs and a state-of-the-art fire station costing £3.13million.

More than 200 residents signed a petition citing objections to the plan.

Published Thursday, November 17, 2005