FURIOUS councillors say a crumbling trunk road is being “ignored” after £100 million of funding was allocated for a link road connecting the A120 and A133.

Harwich councillor Ivan Henderson said he is disappointed politicians are overlooking the plight to repair the A120 while they celebrate proposals to build three “garden communities”.

His anger comes after a six-week consultation allowing people to have their say on the proposals opened on Monday.

The proposals by Tendring, Colchester, Braintree and Essex councils, are to build 43,000 homes over the next 50 years.

One of the communities is set to be built near Essex University on the Tendring/Colchester border.

Mr Henderson said there is no mention in the plans to repair the A120 near Harwich.

He said: “I am disappointed these politicians continue to ignore the state of the A120 which people have to use on a daily basis.

“The road serves as a route in and out of an international port. Politicians jump up and down saying they want to promote the port, but don’t take responsibility for the poor state of the A120.

“This major investment is good news for the future, but our residents around Tendring are suffering from poor infrastructure which I believe needs to be dealt with first, and they deserve for the road to be looked after.”

The consultation runs until September 30.

Harwich councillor Dave McLeod has echoed Mr Henderson’s concerns.

He said: “MPs know how long we have been campaigning to have the A120 repaired.

“We feel completely overlooked and need the A120 fit for purpose.”

Tendring Council’s leader Neil Stock said improvements to the A120 remain a priority for the council, but are a separate issue from this “fantastic” announcement.

He said: “The A120, from Hare Green to Harwich, is desperately in need of improvement and I have previously stated my commitment to working to achieve the necessary upgrades.

“But the announcement of spending £100 million on a much-needed new road for this district just goes to show that moaning about a problem doesn’t deliver results; coming up with innovative schemes, being ready and willing to work with partners and by working across political divides is what delivers success.

“I would love the A120 to be upgraded tomorrow and with Brexit highlighting the country’s over-dependence on Dover as a port I believe there is every chance we can do it sooner rather than later.”