GRASS on a busy road has been left untended for almost two years after a contractor’s deal expired and was never replaced.

The Via Urbis Romanae, in Colchester, had a five-year contract taken out by Essex County Council to cut the grass when it was built.

The fast-moving highway acts as a key link for commuters, connecting the north of the town to the A12.

And thousands of pedestrians use the route to access Camulos Academy, the Jobserve Community Stadium, Colchester General Hospital and Colchester North Station.

However, it has now transpired the contractor which Essex County Council employed to maintain the grass surrounding the road had its deal expire in January 2020, and no firm has undertaken it since.

Repeated requests made to the county council to transfer the management of the site to Colchester Council have also gone unanswered.

Furthermore, attempts to get funding for Colchester Council to deal with the matter were also not supported by Essex County Council.

When approached by the Gazette, an Essex Highways spokesperson said: “This matter is being looked into by Essex Highways officers.

“Once plans have been formulated, officers will contact Colchester Borough Council with options for a way forward.”

Gazette:

The situation has left Colchester councillor Martin Goss scratching his head.

He said: “It comes as no surprise that Essex County Council let a contract lapse in January 2020 and then do nothing for two years, simply leaving an area to be completely unmaintained and then try and toss it over to another council for it to become their problem.

“The county council has a liability to resolve any issues prior to transfer to Colchester Council for maintenance and they need to show ownership and leadership.

“I won’t hold my breath.”

In 2019, Essex County Council was approached to deal with another safety issue on the highway after residents became concerned about exposure to speedy traffic.

A petition to install roadside metal railings was launched and received more than 300 signatures.