RESIDENTS fear they will be left “stranded” if County Hall goes ahead with plans to block off a well-used road.

Essex County Council’s highways panel wants to ban motorists from turning right from Wash Road, close to the Dunton Road junction, on to Noak Hill Road, Noak Bridge.

The proposals will block off a popular route to the A127, and mean people living in Noak Bridge will have to divert through Laindon to get to Basildon town centre.

Essex County Council has drawn up the scheme because the site is deemed dangerous, after five accidents were recorded in the last three years.

Resident Peter Hartgrove, 79, of Queens Road, said: “It feels like the council is trying to shut us off. We’ll be stranded.

“As soon as there is a crash on the A127 everyone comes down Dunton Road, so we’re never going to get out. It’s going to cause a lot more problems.

“Five crashes in three years doesn’t even sound that bad to me. Surely there must be other roads which are more dangerous?”

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said the council should look at alternative traffic measures.

She added: “The turning is a bit sharp and I have seen a lot of near misses, so I can understand why the council wants to do something about it.

“I just think stopping us turning right completely is a bit extreme. Couldn’t they put in traffic lights or better signs, or even lower the speed limit.

“I’m surprised five crashes in three years is enough for the turning to be classed as an accident hotspot!"

Residents have been sent letters and are being asked to share their views on the proposals.

If the scheme was brought in, it would initially be for a trial 18 month period.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: "The “left turn only” order is currently a proposal. The proposal is a result of a Casualty Reduction report.

They said: “Residents have been sent a reply sheet from the council to gauge responses.

After the consultation, all feedbackwill be reviewed and presented to the local highways panel, who will then decide on how to progress with the proposal.”