By Louise ComptonTHOUSANDS of people have backed the East Anglian Daily Times' Action for the A120 campaign, calling for improvements to the major trunk road between Colchester and Harwich.

By LOUISE COMPTON

THOUSANDS of people have backed the East Anglian Daily Times' Action for the A120 campaign, calling for improvements to the major trunk road between Colchester and Harwich.

The overwhelming response to the campaign - launched last September - boasts varied supporters ranging from shoppers and businessmen to councillors and MPs.

Harwich MP Ivan Henderson will now take the signed petitions to Westminster where he will address Transport Secretary Alistair Darling in the House of Commons.

He will pass on the views of the people there recommend the proposed dualling of the A120 to be included in the Government's 30-year transport plan.

The recommendation follows the result of last December's LOIS (London to Ipswich) study, which revealed that dualling is one of the recommended options.

The EADT believes that the action proposed for the stretch of the A120 - between Little Bromley and Harwich International Port - will make the road easier to travel on and save lives.

It is also thought that the improvements could bring millions of pounds to the economy of north-east Essex, creating jobs, opportunities for business and attracting potential international investors.

With the presentation in Parliament imminent, the EADT is urging anyone with outstanding petition forms to return them to the Colchester office.

Homecraft in Dovercourt has collected 83 signatures from its customers. "There has been a huge response. I am all for the campaign and from the looks of the petition, our customers are too," said shop worker Brian Nice, 58.

Katrina Parkin, who works at Howletts Bike shop, Dovercourt, collected 40 signatures. "There's been such a positive response. The road is the only way out of Harwich, so, short of the government buying us all helicopters the road absolutely must be sorted out. Public support has been overwhelming."

A spokeswoman for M K Jordan newsagents in Harwich presented the campaign with 48 signatures. "If the problem had been addressed sooner then fatalities could have been avoided," she said.

Jenny East, of The White Horse public house in Harwich, said: "The campaign has been a hot topic of conversation in the pub. Everyone is keen to support the campaign and sign the petition."

COMPLETED petitions should be sent to:

Action for A120 Campaign

East Anglian Daily Times

Fairfax House

Causton Road

Colchester

CO1 1RJ