CAMPAIGNERS have dubbed plans for a new relief road in Billericay as "self-harm" and demand proposals are scrapped.

Basildon Council is proposing a new road to combine Frithwood Lane and Tye Common Road, as part of a proposed nearby development of 1,700 homes.

Angry campaigners have been fighting this since about 2018 and say drivers will face complicated journeys.

A spokesman for Billericay Action Group said: "Tye Common Road will be severed by the road and cars wishing to use that route to go in and out of Billericay will have to make convoluted movements across the busy new road.

"Frithwood Lane, and surrounding streets will be blighted and cut off from the town. Drivers using it as rat running seems likely and it is altogether reprehensible.

"It’s crunch time for our town and our borough, this self-harm is being justified by institutionalised mental gymnastics, time for a change."

The concerned residents said the plans would necessitate the widening of this lane, despite there being houses on both sides, and they feel the council seems unable, or unwilling, to address residents’ concerns on its impact.

Protests have been held with hundreds demanding the council backs down and changes its plans for the town.

Councillors of the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee will meet tomorrow (Tues) to discuss the local plan and the way forward for the proposals.

The agenda papers say: "To support the development of these sites the “SW Relief Road” is proposed between the roundabout junction of A176 Noak Hill, Laindon Road and Kennel Lane to a new junction on A129 London Road via the existing junction of Frithwood Lane and Tye Common Lane, with improvements proposed to the Highway Network on and within the vicinity of Frithwood Lane and Tye Common Lane."

The protestors also previously claimed the cost of the road is at least £16.7million without any further land acquisition expenses and yet, no credible evidence exists to guarantee better traffic conditions. Planned house numbers have increased in order to pay for a road that appears to be little more than an access for that very housing.

Basildon Council was contacted for comment.