The town council has vowed it will continue to lobby for road improvements on behalf of residents.

Deputy chairman and mayor Michael Radley admits he understands the frustration at a lack of funding and says councillors will push for improvements.

None of the £3.6 million being spent on upgrading the A131 will be spent on the stretch of road which runs down Mount Hill, Trinty Street, Bridge Street, High Street, Head Street or Sudbury Road.

Councillor Radley said: “We welcome any upgrading of the A131 but are extremely disappointed that these improvements do not include anything to help ease the traffic congestion through Halstead.

“I walk along Head Street and past St Andrew’s Church most days and see first-hand the difficulties that heavy goods traffic has driving through this area.

" It must be particularly difficult for residents of Head Street who have to tolerate the traffic and lorries often mounting the pavement. We will continue to voice residents’ concerns and push Essex County Council to find ways to help ease this problem and traffic congestion in general.”