CAMPAIGNERS say the Government passed the buck over the burning issue of Canvey's third road.

The Office of the Prime Minister received a 1,559-name petition calling for a new road, but has responded by putting the ball firmly back in the county council's court.

However, ministers have promised to give "full and careful" consideration to any plans put forward by the council.

Jim Walsh, 49, of The Chilterns, Canvey, started the petition on the 10 Downing Street website and is unhappy at the response.

He said: "As far as I'm concerned, if it's the county council's decision, why doesn't the Government free up some money for it?

"You can't tell me Essex County Council has never been approached by people saying they need a third road.

"There's so much talk and it has been going on for years, but while there's all this talk, nothing is getting done.

"I was prepared for this response. It's just passing the buck."

The Goverment's official response to the petition reads: "The question of an additional access road to Canvey is a matter for Essex County Council as the local highway authority.

"If the council decided to put forward proposals for a crossing, the Government would give full and careful consideration to any business case for funding."

Castle Point MP Bob Spink urged the county council to come up with a solution.

He said: "There is no hiding place for county councillors.

"If they really want Canvey to get an additional access, they must back the campaign."

Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent Party, said discussions were constantly being passed back and forward by the Govern-ment and the county council.

He believes the possibility of a road being linked to the planned superport at Shell Haven could hold the answer.

He said: "I still believe the £12million being spent on Roscommon Way should be used to encourage someone to devise a plan for the third road and use private money to fund it."

Norman Hume, county councillor responsible for highways, said he was aware of the importance of access to Canvey and would soon propose solutions to relieve congestion on Canvey Way.