Voices were raised and emotions ran high as the residents and the parish council of Myland came out in protest against the new Northern Approach road.
With banners flying, the group shouted their objections as Essex County Council officials cut the ribbon to officially open the new road.
Jean Beeson, chairman of Myland Parish Council, believes the new junction cuts the village in half and poses a threat to youngsters crossing to get to local schools.
She said: "We are very pleased with the turn-out today.
"We have been campaigning for seven years to get an underpass here but no one has taken any notice of us.
"An underpass would make this junction safer for children and those with disabilities."
Parish councillor, Mandy Stannard, said: "My children cross here twice a day and it's scary. The limit is 40mph, we are just waiting for a child to be killed."
When confronted by vociferous and angry protesters, Colin Tracey, area manager for Essex County Council's environmental services, said an underpass was considered.
"It was a consideration. It went to public consultation and to Colchester Council's planning committee and everything was taken into account.
"The underpass suggestion was not ignored but it was decided it shouldn't be part of the scheme," he said.
When quizzed about the junction's safety issues, he added: "There are perfectly good facilities to get across, there are proper crossing points."
Published Friday, June 27, 2003
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