VILLAGERS have called on a grocery store to solve congestion problems they say are being caused by delivery lorries.

They claim the number of deliveries to the Co-op in Rowhedge has increased, blocking narrow roads and creating a disturbance.

Michael Lilley, who represents the area on Colchester Council, explained: “It’s been going on for ages, but there are definitely more lorries now because they use different ones for different suppliers. For example, the bread will come in a different lorry to other products.

“Over the past couple of years it has got considerably worse and it’s causing annoyance to the residents.

“There are deliveries coming virtually all day long.

“It is the only shop in Rowhedge and we do rely on it, which was shown last winter when we couldn’t get out of the village because of the snow.

“We don’t want to lose the Co-op – it’s a very valuable asset – so it’s got to be a fine balance of keeping everyone happy.

“The problem is, Rowhedge is only a small fishing village which has had an increasing number of residents and most families now own two cars.

“Streets that were built for horse and carts are now packed with cars and the area is very congested.

Mr Lilley has met managers from the East of England Co-operative Society to discuss possible solutions.

One of the ideas is to narrow the pavement in Regent Street to make the road wider and create more space for the lorries. Mr Lilley will put the suggestion to the county council’s highways department.

A spokesman for the East of England Co-operative Society said: “The East of England Co-op Food Store in Rowhedge has been an established part of the community serving local customers for many years.

“We are constantly reviewing delivery arrangements to ensure we operate in a way that is respectful and considerate to our community neighbours and partners.

“All deliveries to the store are made using the smallest delivery vehicle available, and delivery schedules are adapted to ensure vehicle movement in this area is kept to a minimum.

“We were pleased to meet with Mr Lilley on this matter, and he has agreed to discuss the possibility of widening the road with Essex County Council Highways.”