MORE than nine-tenths of people in Halstead believe overdevelopment is an issue, according to a recent Gazette online poll.

Following the unveiling of plans to build 130 homes in Halstead, concerns have been raised by residents over the town's infrastructure.

The concerns were compounded last week when sudden emergency roadworks closed Head Street until around 7pm the next day.

Drivers were left stranded in the town with traffic at a standstill at the hight of rush hour.

The 130 homes development in Mount Hill is the latest in a long line of applications to build on sites in Halstead.

While the new plans haven't yet been approved by Braintree council planners, other developments such as 218 homes planned for land east of Sudbury Road and 283 homes off Oak Road have been given the green light in the past few years.

A development for 71 homes directly adjacent to the latest application was also granted after it went to an appeal when it was first rejected.

Developments outside the town such as the more than 2,000 homes planned for the Bocking area have also raised concerns.

The main fears raised by residents are that the influx of new residents would put a strain on the town's schools, doctors and roads.

Now a recent gazette poll has given an indication as to the general feeling of the town.

Of the 109 readers who took part in the poll, 92 per cent said yes to the question "is overdevelopment as problem in Halstead?"

Just eight per cent of those polled thought overdevelopment wasn't an issue.

According to comments under the poll, it appears residents would rather see investment and development of the town's infrastructure before new homes are built in the area.

Amanda Hislop commented: "Please give us a break, all that live here are struggling with the lack of infrastructure in the town, this is just making it a whole lot worse.

"One road is dug up and the whole town becomes a car park within minutes."

Roger Warren added: "Everyone who lives here are struggling in some way with the lack of infrastructure in the town.

"Let alone the roads (as I write this the town is at a standstill due to roadworks) they are are too small for the current traffic in and through the town.

"Now look at the schools at all levels, little space and parents not guaranteed a place!

"Doctors surgery overwhelmed, and now look at local policing or lack of!"