MPs are being urged to publicly back a multi-million pound scheme to improve the A127 and help secure funding for the project – which includes finally straightening the Fortune of War.

Essex Highways has revealed it is preparing to submit its case to the Department for Transport (DfT) to win funding for the overhaul, expected to cost in the region of £23.3million.

If the cash is secured, the Fortune of War roundabout – which has been blamed for causing delays on the A127 – would be straightened and improvements carried out at the Pound Lane, Halfway House, and Warley junctions.

The county council is now asking MPs across south Essex to write letters to transport chiefs and publicly lobby the Government to help secure funding.

Rayleigh and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, is a key supporter of the scheme and has already lobbied ministers, however he is demanding resurfacing work in return.

He said: “Essex County Council has devised a package of measures to further upgrade the A127, including straightening out the Fortune of War junction, which I have recently offered to lobby ministers in favour of. In return, I have asked Essex Highways to completely resurface the junction before it, at Noak Bridge, which currently looks like a total moonscape.”

Kerry Smith, who ran in yesterday’s May 2 local elections as an independent candidate in the Nethermayne ward, said: “This investment would make a massive improvement for the areas that the road passes through. Our MPs haven’t rocked the boat enough and haven’t been vocal enough and now is the time to write in support of these works. They keep talking about needing growth, this is part of how that will be brought about and so far it has all been talk.”

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “In the next few weeks, Essex County Council plans to submit its case to the Department for Transport and secure major road network funding for the A127. We will be able to proceed to the next stage of development if funding is approved.

“Letters of support are currently being sought from South Essex MPs to show backing for the scheme. As with other schemes of this size and nature, the process before construction starts can take time. We look forward to appointing a contractor in 2024.”