THE transformation of a prized area of Colchester will pose a “real risk of injury” to students who will no be longer be able to use an underpass, say campaigners.
Essex County Council bosses have grand plans to revamp Crouch Street West in a bid to improve provision for cyclists and pedestrians.
In order for this to be achieved, herringbone car parking spaces will be replaced with a parallel parking set up and some parking spaces will be removed.
Designated cycle routes travelling in both directions, meanwhile, will be established and the road and its adjacent pavements will also be resurfaced.
Since the plans were unveiled residents, cyclists and business owners from The Friends of Crouch Street West have been at loggerheads with Essex County Council.
They have now raised concerns over the extent to which filling in a pedestrian walk way underneath Balkerne Hill will endanger school students.
Tony Cheeld, who founded the group, said: “We have data which shows 65 per cent of the people who use that underpass are students.
“I have spoken to nine schools and they say they were not even involved in the consultation process and they knew nothing about it.
READ MORE: Colchester campaigners vow to keep fighting for Crouch Street West
“One headteacher told me if the council fills in the underpass she will no longer be able to safely take students to venues in the city centre.
“The existing crossing in Balkerne Hill, which has a central refuge, will also be replaced with a wider crossing with no refuge.
“It will be nearer the busy roundabout junction with Lexden Road so the plans introduce real risk of injury to pedestrians, cyclists and the young students.”
Mr Cheeld says he and his fellow campaigners are now planning on reporting the council to the Local Government Ombudsman.
“There is clear evidence Essex County Council has broken at least five of Lord Nolan’s rules for working in public life,” he added.
“The council is forcing through plans but has failed to engage effectively during the consultation period.”
Lee Scott, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance and Sustainable Transport, has now responded.
He said: “Throughout the development of proposals for improving walking and cycling in Crouch Street West in Colchester we have listened to feedback from residents and businesses.
“Our engagement with the local community on the proposals included sending leaflets to schools in the surrounding area.
“The safety of pedestrians, cyclists and disabled users of Crouch Street West has been the utmost priority throughout the process of identifying the best option for investing Active Travel England Funding in Crouch Street West.
“The recommended option will see the underpass under Balkerne Hill replaced with a new safer crossing for both cyclists and pedestrians, with improved space and accessibility as it joins directly onto a wide paved area on Crouch Street East.
"The existing subway is substandard, with vertical ramp angles and widths that no longer comply with design standards, and it is unusable for disabled users.
“I believe the recommendation puts forward changes that will create a space that is safer, greener and healthier for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel