A LONG-AWAITED project to widen the A12 has been given a share of £25 billion... but it could be held up by plans for three new towns.

Chancellor Sajid Javid announced the cash pot as part of his speech at the Conservative Party Conference.

The plans to widen the A12 between Colchester and Chelmsford were initially announced in December 2014.

A consultation on the proposals was held in 2017 but the plans have since stalled.

It was understood a final decision had been postponed because of delays in Colchester Council’s Local Plan and a plan to build two new towns – dubbed ‘garden communities’ – to the east and west of the north Essex town.

However, Mr Javid announced the project would be going ahead in his speech, and promised an “infrastructure revolution”.

But he admitted the investment may not be felt for some time.

The final amount for the A12 project has not been confirmed, but it is expected to cost between £100 million and £250 million.

Colchester MP Will Quince welcomed the announcement but warned the issue over the garden communities must to be resolved.

He said: “It is planned for 2020-25, so work could start next year but I think the one obstacle is it depends on the councils getting together and sorting out the local plans.

“We cannot widen the A12 until we know about the garden communities and the junctions needed.

“This is something we wanted and we can now crack on.

“It is very positive news, the money is there and now work needs to be done between Essex County Council, Colchester, Braintree and Tendring.

“They have got to step up a gear and get the local plans sorted. The money is for 2020-25 and we want to get started.”

Mr Javid’s plans included a £5 billion package to support the roll-out of broadband and a £220 million fund for buses.

Mr Javid said: “Investment in our infrastructure will be key to making the next decade one of renewal - boosting our economy and making life easier for people all across the country.”

“This new multibillion-pound investment to deliver gigabit-capable broadband for all the UK and investment in roads and buses will help people to get around and businesses to grow, ensuring no community is left behind.”