Colchester Crouch Street West's plans reviewed by councillor

Crouch Street West could be in line for a major facelift which some authority bosses have promised would see the space benefit from a raft of improvements.

The project is part of Essex County Council’s Safer, Greener, Healthier campaign and funded using the £7.4million secured from the Government’s Active Travel Fund.

If the ambitious plans are signed-off, new designated cycle routes will be established and resurfacing works will be carried out on the area’s existing roads and pavements.

There will also be a new site of public space created for pedestrians and the herringbone car parking set-up will be replaced with parallel parking.

The initial plans put forward for Crouch Street West previously resulted in shop owners staging a protest over the number of parking spaces which would be slashed.

In a what was a small victory for the activists, council bosses agreed to review their approach to the project, taking onboard the views and concerns of locals.

Lee Scott, Essex County Councillor responsible for highways maintenance and sustainable transport, now believes the latest blueprints strike a perfect balance.

He said: “We have talked to residents and business owners in Crouch Street, we have engaged, and we have listened.

“Throughout the development of proposals for improving walking and cycling in Crouch Street West we have listened to feedback from residents and businesses.

“I believe I have chosen the option that maximises on-street parking available in Crouch Street West – an important element of the proposals for local businesses.

“[This is all] whilst also implementing changes to create a space that is safer, greener and healthier for pedestrians and cyclists.

“The changes are designed to help turn the area into a destination where shoppers and local residents want to spend their time.”  

The recommendation will now be subject to Essex County Council’s internal governance procedures and a further consultation.