ESSEX County Council will repaint road markings at a city centre roundabout to “reflect Colchester’s rightful city status”, after it was mistakenly painted to say town centre.

During recent resurfacing works of Middleborough roundabout, Essex Highways laid out directions to the town centre, despite Colchester becoming a city two years ago.

The mistake left High Steward of Colchester Sir Bob Russell unimpressed, with the former MP describing the error as “a snub”.

Gazette: Oops - Essex Highways has directed drivers to the town centre, despite Colchester becoming a city two years agoOops - Essex Highways has directed drivers to the town centre, despite Colchester becoming a city two years ago (Image: Credited)

He said: “Such a glaring mistake, a snub to Colchester, would not have happened if Colchester Council was still in charge of highways rather than the centralised operation which Essex County Council has created since it took highways from local control in Colchester.”

County councillor for Abbey division Lee Scordis agreed and said the error was another reason for Colchester to be handed control of roads across the borough.

In an unusual U-turn, Essex Highways has now vowed to rectify error and will repaint the lines to ensure drivers are directed to the city centre.

A spokesman said: “This appears to be an unfortunate oversight which we would like to apologise for, with the original road markings at this location being reinstated following machine resurfacing.

“Our crew will be working tomorrow night to rectify the issue and reflect Colchester’s rightful city status.”

Colchester had previously been known as Britain’s oldest recorded town, but became a city in 2022 as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.

A town hall ceremony later that year affirmed the new city status, with council leader David King saying it will attract more investment to the area.

Gazette: Pleased - Sir Bob Russell said he is grateful Essex Highways is rectifying the error so quicklyPleased - Sir Bob Russell said he is grateful Essex Highways is rectifying the error so quickly (Image: Newsquest)

Sir Bob Russell commended County Hall’s decision to repaint the lines only days after the error was raised with the authority.

He said: "I am grateful for the speedy response from Essex Highways.

“Hopefully, as opportunities arise and the need for signs to be replaced – both on the highway and on roadside posts – the word ‘city’ will replace ‘town’.

“Obviously, premature and unnecessary expenditure must be avoided.”