SOUTHEND Council has thrown out plans for a proposed one-way system after residents protested.

Disgruntled residents in Cromwell Road, Southend, handed in a petition against the proposals, with more than 20 households objecting to the road becoming one-way.

The plans were due to be discussed by councillors next month, but, following the petition, ward councillor Paul Van Looy said the proposals have been scrapped.

Mr Van Looy said: “I received the petition from Mrs Cuthbert. We did a survey 18 months ago and, then, a lot of people wanted a one-way system.

Now it is not going ahead.

“We have squashed it and it won’t be going to committee.

That’s the end of it.”

Residents said the system was unnecessary and would actually encourage speeding motorists.

Southend Council put the plans to consultation following a different petition in 2012, which called for a one-way system.

Catherine Cuthbert, 36, has lived in Cromwell Road for seven years with her family.

She and neighbour Helen Bastin, 27, began the latest petition and welcomed the council U-turn.

Mrs Cuthbert said: “It’s great we won’t have a one-way system now. It was a team effort and we are really pleased the council was made aware of the residents’ opinions. The majority of people we spoke to were against the proposals and felt the council discussing it in January was unnecessary without resident support.

“We would really welcome more open and honest discussions with councillors and we will certainly be keeping our eyes peeled for any other plans for the road.”

Neighbour Anna Blogg said: “I just wanted to say how pleased I am our petition has been listened to by the councillors and people power has triumphed in this case.

“Catherine and Helen put their precious time into this and did an amazing job with a great result. Our road gets to stay as it is with no unnecessary changes.”