A ROAD in Colchester remains without a pedestrian crossing despite promises it would be installed earlier this year - sparking fears for the safety of disabled residents.
Residents who have moved into new homes on the St Michael's Place development have long been concerned over the lack of crossing in Berechurch Hall Road.
After voicing their worries with Essex County Council, planning bosses are said to have stated a toucan crossing would be implemented in the area in order to quell the problem.
The crossing, however, is still yet to materialise, despite residents who have not long moved into newbuilds at St Michael’s Place being promised it would be finished in the summer.
Dave Harris, councillor for Berechurch, has also raised concerns over the impact the lack of crossing has on those living with disabilities in flats nearby.
He says there is no safe place for them to cross the road and so it is proving a danger to all.
Mr Harris said: “These people have nowhere to go but to cross that busy road to get to everything - the schools, the shops.
“It’s a huge frustration for councillors like myself to go through this process of chasing the authorities, it shouldn’t have to be like this, it should be easier.
"When new residents, that are very welcome to the area, when they are promised something, they deserve it.”
Mr Harris, who has continually liaised with council bosses regarding the need for a crossing, has now shed light on why it may have been delayed.
He said: “It’s been in the plans for a couple of years, it was meant to have started last spring, then autumn, and summer.
“I’ve now been informed the developer must make an agreement with the Highway Agency, a legal agreement, and that is causing the delay.
“The section 278 of the Highways Act 1980 is an agreement between the developer to put works on land they do not own.
"So they must do the work but get a legal agreement to do it, so it’s been with the Essex Council for a long legal process.
“It needs to be signed-off and it will hopefully be installed by early 2024.”
Bosses at Persimmon Homes Essex have now responded.
A spokesman said: “We are currently awaiting a Section 278 agreement from the highways authority and understand this will be issued imminently.
“We have a contractor ready to start work as soon as the agreement is approved, ensuring we deliver this important project for local residents.”
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