MAJOR delays to a new £3million roundabout at an accident blackspot mean work won't finish until next summer - six months later than expected.

Highways England has confirmed the roundabout at the Hare Green junction on the A120 is now expected to be finished next summer.

Preliminary work started in October last year, which included clearing vegetation, and the first stage began in February this year, which saw drainage runs built and work to join the minor roads.

The turn off to Harwich Road was closed and a number of overnight closures have taken place while building work was carried out.

But a road campaigner has said the project has had problems with the design and materials as well as drainage causing delays.

Tendring councillors, Fred Nicholls, who called for safety improvements at the junction, said: "This was unexpected and it is disappointing.

"It will have been going on for about 15 or 16 months - it is such a long time.

"We have been having regular meetings with Highways England and we have now been told that it will be July before it is totally finished.

"The biggest problem is the diversion, one of the main concerns local residents have been complaining to me about is the diversion.

"It's 22 miles long."

Mr Nicholls hit out at the diversion when it was first installed, saying the route bypassed Great Bromley and was causing problems for residents and businesses.

He added: "It is still causing problems to the businesses in Great Bromley.

"But Essex County Council said the diversion we put forward wasn't practical, they said it's not suitable for HGVs."

The new roundabout is being built after campaigners called for improvements at the Hare Green junction to make the danger spot safer.

A report released by Highways England earlier this year revealed there have been 23 recorded collisions causing 52 casualties - with three of those being fatal - in the past five years.

It also stated the majority of collisions have involved right turn manoeuvres to or from side roads.

A spokesman for Highways England said: "We’re expecting this work to now be completed next summer.

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