Why new routes are essential for future

Perhaps if he could tell Government to put the cheque in the post at the same time it might be helpful! That said, it is not Cuckoo Corner or an outer road as he seems to suggest, it is both.

We need to improve existing routes to deal with current traffic and we need to put in new routes/roads for the future. We are planning for the future. The outer road is in all the relevant documents and bids will go forward as and when opportunities arise for such substantial funding.

It is absolutely essential to keep our existing infrastructure up to scratch if we are to maintain our existing businesses. Already we are seeing them relocating out to the west of Southend due to travel problems.

Improving Cuckoo Corner and Progress Road are the main key factors to improve traffic flow. Then we will deal with the Bell, Kent Elms and Sutton Road as soon as possible and before any new stadium where to open.

Anna Waite
Executive councillor for transport
Southend Council

...Anna Waite's recent comments downplay the potential impact of the Priory Crescent roadwidening scheme.

The latest proposal still involves the dualling of half of Priory Crescent, from the Cuckoo Corner roundabout.

Revised plans show this will lead to the loss of 49 trees, many of which are mature, as well as an incursion into the park to accommodate the displaced southern pavement.

This would lead to a fundamental change in the character of the northern side of the park.

In response to a Freedom of Information request submitted last month, asking for a breakdown of expenditure on the road scheme to date, Southend Council has revealed it has now spent £2.06million on the scheme and has nothing to show for it.

Should this flagship Conservative scheme now go ahead, local taxpayers will have to meet 25 per cent of the costs with no evidence that it will solve the traffic problems.

Denis Walker, Secretary
Priory Park Preservation Society
East Street, Southend