WORK has started on the improvements to the Long Road (B1352) at the entrance to the Manningtree Park development with a new footway and cycleway planned.

City and Country have confirmed that all legal requirements are in place for starting improvements to Section 278 of the B1352, or Long Road, to the Manningtree Park development.

Improvements to the stretch of road include upgrading two existing bus stops, improved surface water drainage, the introduction of a new three-metre-wide footway and cycleway along the road’s 298-metre-length.

There will also be accompanying pedestrian crossing facilities and improved street lighting for visibility as well as new vehicular access onto the Manningtree Park development.

A spokesman for City and Country said: "We would like to express our thanks to the residents of Manningtree Park and the surrounding areas for their continued patience during this time".

"We are in continued discussions with Essex Highways to ensure a quick and successful resolution to the work on the B1352, though remain subject to the timelines outlined by Essex Highways."

Work started on April 8, 2024, with road space granted, and works are due to be completed later this summer.

City and Country said they will continue to update residents as the project progresses.