A LEADING Colchester businessman has launched a scathing attack on plans to boost walking and cycling provision in Crouch Street – warning council bosses the plans will drive shoppers away.

Janus van Helfteren is a member of the Colchester Ambassadors – a group of businesspeople who run many of the city’s key organisations and work to promote the area.

He hit out at Essex County Council’s £7.4 million plans for Crouch Street West, which will see a cycle route run along the road and some parking spaces removed.

The underpass running under Balkerne Hill connecting Crouch Street West and East is to be filled in and replaced with a signal controlled crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.

Mr Van Helfteren, who runs Colchester-based schools photography business Vancols Ltd, said revisions to the plans to retain more parking, made after a wave of opposition from businesses and residents, do not go far enough.

“This is a scheme which endangers some of the little remaining viable retail in Colchester,” he said.

“It’s clear the near residents are very much against this scheme, particularly the removal of ‘fan, or nose in parking’.

“The current half an hour per visit is the lifeblood of many of these retail outlets, some of whom have invested a lot of money in their businesses to serve the public of Colchester in really tough times.

“In my position as a Colchester Ambassador, I meet with council officials and various institutions and businesses to try to promote the city of Colchester to within and without.

“This scheme really goes against everything we are voluntarily, through invitation, trying to achieve.”

Mr Van Helfteren also took aim at cycling groups, adding the “ill-thought out” scheme “seems to be a result of heavy lobbying and funding for the very few cyclists in the city”.

He said the removal of parking will drive people to shop out of town at Tollgate Retail Park or Chelmsford, further accusing the council of failing to consult with school affected by the plans.

“This scheme is, it seems to me, being bullied through with no consideration to local and less local people, irrespective of their views.

“It’s disingenuous to say the least.

“The number of objections, either mailed or people turning up in their droves to protest, is public record. Why are they being ignored?”

Gazette: Early design plans for Crouch Street and Balkerne HillEarly design plans for Crouch Street and Balkerne Hill (Image: Essex County Council)

Lee Scott, Essex County Council’s highways boss, said the authority had listened to feedback from residents and businesses throughout the development of the plans.

He pointed out a draft Traffic Regulation Order for the plans has been published for ongoing public consultation, adding the funding for the project is ringfenced for sustainable travel schemes.

“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,” he said.

“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.

“We continue to welcome feedback on our proposals for Crouch Street West and Balkerne Hill.”

Comments on Crouch Street West can be emailed to SGH.Routes@essex.gov.uk.

Residents can submit their views on the changes to the Balkerne Hill underpass at https://tinyurl.com/Balkerne-Hill.

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