TALKS to see lorries diverted away from Halstead’s streets are set to resume more than a year after being stalled by Covid-19.

Councils began discussing plans for a strategic lorry route to avoid Halstead back in February last year.

It was hoped the plans would see HGVs diverted away from the town after numerous complaints from residents.

Lorries often travel along the A131 through Halstead between Braintree and Sudbury.

Head Street is a pinch-point with large vehicles sometimes finding it difficult to navigate the narrow road and mini-roundabouts causing traffic problems, leading to gridlock.

Residents say they are often left with large lorries and trailers just inches away from their front doors, leading to concerns over the health impact of exhaust fumes.

As a result, Halstead Town Council and Essex County Council began talks with Sudbury Town Council and Suffolk County Council to try find a solution.

Original plans would have seen northbound lorries diverted down the A12 towards Colchester before using the A134 to reach Sudbury.

Talks stalled following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in March, but are now back on the table.

County and district councillor Jo Beavis said talks are set to resume more than a year after they began.

She said: “I’m delighted, following my call to reconvene a meeting of the Strategic Lorry Route for Halstead following delays because of the coronavirus, that a date for early March has been set to commence talks again.

“The Strategic Lorry Route for Halstead could potentially divert unnecessary heavy goods vehicles away from Halstead, travelling through the town to Sudbury much earlier, by a diversionary route on our major A roads, such as the A12 and travelling to Sudbury from another direction and not through the market town of Halstead.

“I’m pleased that key stakeholders, such as Halstead Town Council and Sudbury Town Council, are on board and have the appetite to support the Strategic Lorry Route for Halstead”.

It is understood Sudbury Town Council, Halstead Town Council and Essex County Council leader David Finch have already accepted an invitation to be at the meeting.

Mrs Beavis added: “My understanding is that the process is long and would have to involve collaboration by most parties before a much wider public and stakeholder consultation could take place.”