Chosen sites for mineral extraction in Essex are likely to be revealed in the summer.

Members of Essex County Council's Mid Essex Area Forum heard that 40 million tonnes of sand and gravel need to be produced in the county up to 2026.

A total of 43 suggested sites had been put forward by developers which would produce 118 million tonnes.

Forum chairman Joe Pike said it was an issue that affected the central area more than any other as most of the suggested sites were around the Braintree and Chelmsford areas.

Concerns from the public prompted Witham Town Council to call a special meeting last September to discuss proposed sites in and around the town.

At the meeting on January 11, councillors were concerned about how the consultation process would take place leading up to the preferred sites being chosen in June.

But John Jowers, cabinet member for planning, told the meeting a group had been set up to look at the suggestions and the opportunity to comment would also go out to all members of the county council.

Graham Butland, leader of Braintree Council, said any sites that involved further access on to the A120 were "a no no".