THE multi-million pound Roscommon Way extension has opened.

Linking Northwick Road to Haven Road, it has cost £18.5 million and taken almost a year to complete.

Council bosses hope the new road will create 1,700 new jobs for Canvey, by allowing Charfleets Industrial Estate to expand.

County councillor Ray Howard, who is also a borough and town councillor, described the day as one of the peaks of his 44-year career representing the people of Canvey. Mr Howard was delighted when he was presented with a “Howard’s Way” street sign.

That’s what Tracey Chapman, Essex county councillor responsible for highways, unofficially dubbed the new section of road between Northwick Road and Haven Road, in honour of Mr Howard’s campaign work to see it through to fruition.

She said: “It’s been a pleasure to see so many people turn up to something that is very important for the island.

“I’ve been calling it Howard’s Way because of all the work Ray has put into getting it completed.”

However, Mr Howard said the hard work was not over yet.

He has already started campaigning for the final third stage of the road, which would see it connected from Haven Road through to Thorney Bay Road.

He said: “It’s a marvellous jigsaw coming to fruition. You have a lot of criticism in public life but it’s one of my high moments today.

“This phase does bring a great improvement to the industrial estate.

“These jobs are desperately needed here on Canvey, we must have a place for them in the future.”

Marlene Curtis from the British Horse Association said a bridle path introduced as part of the work would have benefits for the safety of horse riders, cyclists and walkers.