ROADWORKS which have obstructed the pavement on a busy road for months have left pedestrians "really frustrated" amid an ongoing battle to get them completed. 

Barriers have been in place for months on Brook Street due to BT works which are taking place.

Highways bosses say they are pushing for a completion date after concerns about the works were raised.

Hole - the obstruction causeHole - the obstruction cause (Image: Colchester Civic Society) Jo Edwards, chair of Colchester Civic Society said: "We fully understand that there can be difficulties in identifying which utility supplier a particular access plate is the responsibility of.

"We're only too aware because we've been desperately trying for months now. We're still not certain.

"Surely though, doing any delving is, or should be part of the day to day work of the statutory Highways authority.

"It shouldn't be down to a small local charity or individual residents, nor take a media story to get things moving.

"We've been really frustrated in trying to get this issue resolved. It shouldn't be as difficult as it has been and it shouldn't have taken as long as it has.

"We now look forward to the pavement being fully and properly reinstated as a matter of urgency.

"We'd also like to think that perhaps Essex Highways have learned a little from this fiasco.

"That they've learned, perhaps, that fundamentally, the public simply expect the Highways Authority to look after and maintain the highway."

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “Barriers have been put in place at this location by BT, and an order has been issued for them to make the area safe and plan remedial works as soon as possible.

“We are working with BT on a completion date and will continue to monitor progress closely.”