A break in the traffic (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

A break in the traffic

11:02am Sunday 20th November 2005 in Search By David Jackman

VILLAGERS plagued by the problem of heavy lorries rumbling through Abridge on their way to a golf course development in Theydon Bois could soon see some long-awaited improvements to the situation.

A scheme to take lorries heading to the Parsonage Farm golf course development out of Abridge could be operating by Christmas.

The course developer, the Highways Agency, police, Brentwood and Ongar MP Eric Pickles and highways engineers have discussed a proposal that will see lorries loaded with earth leave the M11 via the works unit access at Coopersale Lane, so saving the need to trundle through Abridge village and over the Abridge Road bridge.

It would mean that the only lorries involved with the course development that would then travel through Abridge would be empty ones, and later in the day than is presently the case.

Epping Forest District Council leader John Knapman said: "It was agreed that the Parsonage golf developers would submit a plan for lorries to exit from the M11 onto the Highways Agency slip road and then directly on to Blunts Farm.

"The procedure that was agreed was that Essex County Council and traffic police would offer comments on a proposed plan which would then be presented to the Highways Agency with a view to gaining its approval."

Mr Knapman said matters such as signing and a barrier to prevent traffic other than the lorries from using the works unit slip road had been voiced.

He said: "I hope this can be sorted out within a month."

Mr Knapman added: "The developer has voluntarily stopped lorries importing earth onto the site for 14 days while it discusses with officers the amount of earth that will be needed to complete the course.

"Concerns have been raised as to the quantities of earth still claimed to be required and the council is awaiting the owner's response."

Sam Pickering, of Market Place, Abridge, who has been calling for something to be done for months, said: "It would be better if the lorries didn't come into the village at all but anything is better than nothing. It (the proposed route) is much needed and it would be excellent if it can happen before Christmas."