Berechurch Hall Road pedestrian crossing plans delayed

Residents are continuing to move into their new homes on the 153-plot St Michael’s Place development, off Berechurch Hall Road, Colchester.

Concerns were raised about the lack of a safe crossing before construction commenced, which ultimately saw planning bosses insist a toucan crossing be installed in Berechurch Hall Road.

Berechurch councillor Dave Harris says he was promised the crossing would be installed during the summer holidays.

Unsafe - there is currently only tactile flooring in place to denote the crossing (Image: Dave Harris)

With no sign of a pedestrian crossing at the start of the school year, Mr Harris says he was given assurances the work would be completed during this week’s half term.

But with schoolchildren due to return to their classrooms next week, there is still no sign of a safe way across the busy road.

Mr Harris, who is also a county councillor for the area, said: “There are lots of adapted homes for people with disabilities in the area, and lots of parents and schoolchildren are moving into the new development.

“Children go back to school next week and while crossing the road was ok in the summer with light evenings, children at St Michael’s School are now going to have to cross the road in the darker evenings.

“I’m very concerned and really a bit frustrated it’s taken so long, especially as Berechurch Hall Road has become a very busy urban road.

“The toucan crossing will slow traffic along there to make it safer for everyone using it.”

Concerned - county councillor Dave Harris (Image: Steve Brading)

What does Persimmon Homes say?

An email sent to Mr Harris by a county council official and seen by the Gazette claims there is “little more officers can do” until an issue with land titles and ownership which is with the developer’s solicitor is resolved.

But housebuilder Persimmon Homes says it is waiting on a response from the highways authority.

Development - St Michael's Place (Image: Google)

A spokesman said: “We are working with Essex County Council to obtain permission to carry out these works.

“We are ready to install the crossing as soon as the council has completed the section 278 agreement with us.”

A section 278 agreement allows developers to enter into a legal agreement with the council, to make alterations and improvements to a public highway, as part of a planning application.

Mr Harris will now write to the leader of Essex County Council to express his frustrations.

“Residents deserve better than this being kicked into the long grass,” he added.