CAMPAIGNING residents are celebrating after a bid to see a road adopted was finally successful.

Nick Shephard has lived in Heron Way, Dovercourt, since 2010, and has been fighting for the road to be adopted for well over a year.

Unadopted roads are not required to be maintained by Essex County Council, meaning residents could be left in the lurch if urgent repairs are needed.

Mr Shepherd, 57, said he wanted assurances over who would take responsibility for maintenance of the road after a nearby housing development is completed.

Taylor Wimpey is developing its Peninsula estate, off Heron Way.

Now Mr Shepherd says he is delighted to have recei ved a positive response from the county council.

He said: “I wanted to see the road adopted so we know exactly who to go to if the road does have any issues.

“It is really good news, I have been waiting for over a year to hear this.

“We are waiting for Taylor Wimpey to agree with Essex County Council to hand it over then it will be full steam ahead.”

Ward councillor Ivan Henderson added: “There are a group of residents in Heron Way who are worried about repairs to the road, now it is clear who is responsible for maintaining it.”

A county council spokesman said: “We have liaised with the development management team who are involved with upcoming developments such as this, and they have confir med Heron Way is to be adopted.

“A final inspection was recently under tak en with the developer to discuss any outstanding remedial works.

“Once these works have been completed the adoption can be finalised.

“The team are hopeful that the adoption will take place this year.”