A SOUTH Essex MP has accused the county council of neglecting the area's creaking road infrastructure in favour of improvements in the north of the county.

Angela Smith, Labour MP for Basildon, said: "My constituency always seems to be at the bottom of the pile when it comes to road improvements."

Her comments followed a warning from top civil engineer Francis Connolly that widening the A12 could cost at least £10 million a mile.

Mrs Smith said: "When I sought improvements at the Fortune of War roundabout where people could be killed I got was sped cameras and a couple of signs."

Gile Roca, Essex County Council spokesman said widening the A12 would improve connections for the whole of the county including the Thames Gateway.