I AM writing with reference to the front page story headlined: “Why was lorry plan refused?” (Gazette, September 10) I was at the planning committee meeting on Monday, September 6, in support of the petition signed by 347 residents, whose lives are blighted by the daily traffic of heavy goods vehicles using Stifford Road and passing through other residential areas.

Despite the benefits to the residents of Stifford Road and adjacent areas as a result of moving the current entrance to the Howard Tenens site to the proposed entrance nearer the Aveley roundabout, along with a promise to improve the area known as “Hangman’s Wood”, Thurrock Council opposed it on the grounds that it was an encroachment on to green belt land.

Belhus ward councillor Charles Curtis read out a statement on behalf of the council stating its case, giving no regard to the residents’ petition and the adverse impact the HGVs were causing to the environment in which they lived.

I went out campaigning with Deidre Lodge, along with her husband Simon, and in a relatively short time we obtained 347 signatures from residents giving their unqualified support to the Howard Tenens proposals regarding moving the entrance and the improvements to Hangman’s Wood.

At no time did the elected Belhus ward councillors (Sue Gray, Charles Curtis and Wendy Curtis) campaign with us or express any support for the campaign or sympathy for the residents’ plight.

I recognise green belt land has to be protected and, if it is encroached upon without proper planning permission, then action has to be taken against the transgressors. However, there needs to be some flexibility and common sense should prevail when it is clearly demonstrated that planning requests are fully supported by those affected – the residents – and benefits far outweigh the loss of a relatively small area of green belt land.

The quality of residents’ lives should not be sacrificed to the cause of a squabble between Thurrock Council and Howard Tenens over a piece of land which has been neglected for many, many years.

For the Belhus ward councillors, I have this warning: If you continue to ignore the voice of the people you may well pay the price at the ballot-box. – PETER PERRIN, Broxburn Drive, South Ockendon.