RESULTS of a survey on infrastructure in South Woodham Ferrers has "Essex wide implications", an infrastructure group says.

Woodham Infrastructure Group conducted the survey which received 307 responses from residents and businesses in South Woodham Ferrers - an "excellent" result for the area, says the group.

Many of the questions in the survey were about plans for Burnham Road (B1012) which campaigners say will adversely affect South Woodham Ferrers and the Dengie.

The plans include the downgrading of Burnham Road to an "urban street".

Six new pedestrian crossings are proposed between Shaw Farm and Saltcoats roundabout, as well as another roundabout on the B1012.

A total of 95 per cent of those who responded think a 40mph limit on Burnham Road, when combined with the planned pedestrian crossings and roundabouts, will cause "extensive traffic jams".

Whilst this survey was aimed at a small area and a particular set of circumstances, the group says the findings have Essex wide implications.

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For example, 94 per cent of respondents think Essex Highways is not "fit for purpose".

There was a public meeting in September in South Woodham Ferrers which was attended by Roger Hirst, the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

In response to a question about the meeting, 96 per cent think the commissioner "didn't listen to and act on" the points made by the town’s residents

The majority of participants, 86 per cent, also think public consultations are "just tick-box exercises".

A spokesman for the Woodham Infrastructure Group said: "There is a growing feeling representatives should listen to what the public think rather than telling the public what to think.

"We suggest, whilst people are understandably sick of surveys, when it comes to matters of importance representatives should conduct surveys and abide by the results."

"This is about infrastructure - we are not campaigning against the new development in South Woodham Ferrers," the spokesman added.

"We recognise the need for new houses - although, for the sake of wildlife and the good of the planet, we go along with the PM's party conference speech in which he said that he wanted to build the homes the country needs 'not on green fields' whenever it is reasonable and practical to do so."