Reacting to news that the government has cancelled funding for the proposed widening of the A12 between Chelmsford and Colchester, Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of Tendring District Council, said: “We have long been supportive of the proposed government investment in the A12 widening scheme as a key to unlock future growth both in Tendring and the wider region, which can deliver so much for UK PLC.

“This investment, aside from the short-term jobs and investment from construction, would help to open up economic opportunities at Freeport East and elsewhere in the district; as well as providing critical infrastructure to support longer-term housing growth across North Essex, something being driven by successive governments.

“We are therefore disappointed by this announcement, and support our partner local authorities – especially recognising our shared direction of travel with Local Government Reorganisation – in urging reconsideration of this decision.”