Controversial road plans unveiled

It is believed the A120 expansion will reduce traffic in north Essex

Environmental campaigners have criticised a £220m road scheme to link Braintree and Marks Tey in Essex.

The Highways Agency said its plans to expand the A120 will reduce traffic in the villages of Bradwell and Little Tey and improve access to Stansted Airport. Conservation campaigners, however, believe the road will have an adverse impact on the local environment.

James Abbott, a Green Party district councillor, said that the expansion will result in increased air pollution.

"The Highways Agency say that traffic will be relieved from the existing road by their proposal - up to a point that is true," said Mr Abott, who represents Bradwell, Silver End, and Rivenhall.

"But what they're then going to do is stick a major road right next to Tey Green and Cressing Silver, so many more people will suffer from noise and air pollution."

Chris Shuker, the Highways Agency project manager, said: "Obviously the existing A120 is rather narrow in places and gets very congested. It is part of the Trans-European network and is a very important road."