A business group has welcomed news that some dedicated police patrols will continue on the A12.

Essex County Council announced last week it was all but axing the A12 Alliance.

From the end of March its officers will be redeployed to other parts of the police force.

Responsibility for patrolling the route will be incorporated into the duties of road policing officers.

However £10,000 has been set aside to allow patrols to continue at peak times, Monday to Friday.

Ian Wicks, chairman of Essex Federation of Small Businesses, said:“We were very concerned that in the current financial climate the A12 police patrols would be axed so are very pleased that they will continue to operate during peak periods.

“While this is not as good as the previous level of cover, it does mean that the patrols will be operating at the times when they can bring maximum benefit to A12 road users and we look forward to their continuing success.”