A 30-YEAR plan to transform a major A127 junction, with a relief road and roundabout overhaul, has suffered a major funding setback.

A £150million project, aiming to tackle problems with the Fairglen Interchange roundabout, has received a blow after Essex County Council’s application for Government funding was turned down.

The authority revealed proposals to bring an end to rush hour misery for thousands of drivers by ploughing £175million into the Fairglen Interchange.

An initial scheme - costing around £25million - will see a relief road created to link the A130 with the Southend-bound A127 just after the railway bridge between Wickford and Rayleigh.

An application for funding to explore options at easing Canvey traffic was also rejected by the Government

Kevin Bentley, councillor for economic growth, infrastructure and partnerships, says despite the setbacks, he remains hopeful the authority will find the cash it needs.

Mr Bentley added that the plans will not hinder the short-term option for Fairglen.

He said: “Although our recent bids to Government to explore long-term options to improve the Fairglen Interchange and Canvey Way have been unsuccessful, our short-term improvement plans to Fairglen Interchange are progressing well and will be unaffected by this.

“More information on both short and long-term schemes in this area will be available at a number of public information events to be announced in early 2017.”

Dave Blackwell, county councillor for Canvey East, believes the funding for Canvey Way was always going to be a “long shot.”

Mr Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent Party, added that he is frustrated that parts of south Essex could be “neglected” if the plans don’t get the go-ahead, making the problem even worse.

He said: “As far as Canvey is concerned, I think the Government looks at it as an isolated area which doesn’t need the funding.

“It needs help, and a third road would achieve just that.

“I hope a solution can be found quickly.”