ESSEX County Council has stepped in at the last minute to ask for more consultations before work begins on the controversial plan to scrap Frinton's famous railway gates.

James Hore

ESSEX County Council has stepped in at the last minute to ask for more consultations before work begins on the controversial plan to scrap Frinton's famous railway gates.

Network Rail has announced work to replace the town's manual gates with automated ones will begin next week.

The scheme has outraged many in the genteel town because the gates symbolise the historic boundary of the old town and demonstrations are expected to take place.

The works are part of a £100million upgrade to the line between Colchester and Clacton.

Now Lord Hanningfield, the leader of Essex County Council, has called for more time for local views to be considered.

But last night Network Rail said it was “surprised” about the request and pledged work would be starting regardless.

Lord Hanningfield said there was local concern about the design of a proposed roundabout next to the gates.

“Although residents have been consulted in inquiries by Network Rail and Her Majesty's Rail Inspectorate, who are the statutory bodies in this matter, I feel it is important that we at Essex County Council make further efforts to see that the views of local residents are heard.

“Therefore I have asked for the consultation process we began on July 11 to be allowed more time and for Network Rail to delay their works due to commence on August 26 for a little longer.

“Although there is no choice about the main part of these works to replace the manual gates with automated ones, we may yet be able to use this opportunity to provide a better solution for the people of Frinton-on-Sea.”

He also called for the old gates to be preserved for “posterity”.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We are surprised by this media release, given the ongoing dialogue and relationship we have with the Essex County Council.

“Network Rail has already taken part in a briefing and consultation exercise over these works and the resulting improvements to the local road network, which was supported by the Essex County Council.

“We have secured approval from the council and an approval in principle from the Office of Rail Regulation (HM Railway Inspectorate).

“The work will begin, as planned and agreed with these parties, on 26 August 2008.”