A PROJECT which would see the A120 finally duelled between Marks Tey and Braintree has taken a major step forward.

Government officials this week met representatives from Gateway 120, which has offered to put £128 million towards turning the nine-mile stretch into a dual carriageway.

The consortium of landowners wants to create a 7,500-home village called West Tey next to Marks Tey, and a 3,500 home community on the edge of Braintree.

Gateway 120 proposed last summer to create two new junctions and roads linking the A12 and A120 near Coggeshall, and Braintree’s Galleys Corner with Bradwell.

They believe the remaining £90 million needed to dual the remainder can be found from other sources, including local authorities, the Government and European Union.