COLCHESTER Council has been left "staggered" over a decision to suspend the High Street car ban.

At noon on Thursday, Essex County Council announced it was postponing the order.

Anne Turrell, leader of Colchester Council, said: “We are both staggered and extremely disappointed that Essex County Council has taken the unilateral decision to suspend the experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) in Colchester Town Centre.

“Colchester Borough Council had no prior knowledge of this decision and were not involved in the decision making process.

“The decision and announcement by Essex County Council to suspend the High Street traffic changes was taken whilst a positive Monitoring Group meeting took place this morning with businesses, residents and other organisations from across the town centre.

"The group discussed feedback and were prepared to do extra research and see the trial continue.

“We asked Essex County Council to implement the TRO changes as part of the Better Town Centre programme, a partnership project between Colchester Borough Council and Essex County Council, which aims to secure a positive and resilient future for Colchester’s Town Centre.

"Clearly we will now have to see where this leaves the improvement agenda for the town centre.”

See Friday's Gazette for the full story.