A new roundabout crucial to the development of a new community on the border between Tendring District and Colchester has been completed.

The roundabout on the A133 between Elmstead Market and the Essex University junction marks the start of the A1331 link road, which will eventually meet up with the A120.

The road will serve the new Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community, which could eventually contain up to 9,000 homes. New walking and cycling infrastructure, and the planting of over 43,000 trees and bushes, are also planned along the link road.

Councillor Tom Cunningham, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and sustainable transport at Essex County Council, said: “This is a very important step in the delivery of the new link road and, ultimately, the new garden community.

“Together with our partners at Colchester City Council and Tendring District Council, we have been clear the new garden community must be supported by the right transport infrastructure for residents as the developments grows.”