PLANS to extend a major Canvey road have been delayed after councillors forgot to rubber-stamp the scheme three years ago.

The first phase of the £18.5million Roscommon Way extension, linking Northwick Road to Haven Road, was opened four years ago.

It emerged at a full Castle Point Council meeting last week the reason for the delay on the second phase was due to simple human error.

Councillor Ray Howard, who is also Essex County’s deputy councillor for highways and champion of the scheme, said: “Some two weeks ago Canveywas gridlocked over traffic lights that brought the area to a standstill and that, by far, has not been the first time the situation has happened.

“So I raised it at the highways boardmeeting as loudly as I could to ask when the last phase of Roscommon Way could be considered.

I was advised there had been no formal resolution from this council requesting Roscommon Way be applied for by the county council.

“Really, it’s just a formality so we get the process right. This would have to go through a planning process. Obviously, there’s a long way to go.

“But I do believe with only the slightest mishap, the island is gridlocked and that affects Sadlers Farm.”

Councillors unanimously backed Mr Howard’s motion to support the completion of the final stage of the road, which would extend to Western Esplanade and provide a third main road on the island.

Council leader Colin Riley expressed his surprise the issue had not come out sooner. Mr Riley said: “We all assumed this was in place and when it came to my notice I was totally surprised.” Dave Blackwell, leader of Canvey Independent Party, said: “It has to be asked, and I’ve got to say Ray has been driving us all nuts with this over the last three years, why didn’t someone at this council put this scheme forward sooner?

“I can’t believe that after three years it’s only finally come to council that Essex County Council is saying we can’t put it in our scheme because you haven’t applied to put it in. It doesn’t look good on this council.”

Norman Smith, councillor for Boyce ward in Benfleet, said: “If we want to attract new businesses to the island, then this road will help and to continue the traffic flow through the island would take a lot off the congestion off the traffic lights at the King Canute. It is an excellent scheme that we just need to tell the county council we want and it’s a priority to relieve congestion on that part of Canvey.”