Angry councillors are to boycott the grand opening of a controversial new road project in Colchester.

Parish councillors in Myland say they will snub a ceremony launching the multi-million pound Northern Approaches road when it opens in a few weeks' time.

They are furious after developers ignored pleas to build an underpass into the next phase of the scheme.

The tunnel would have taken the new route into Colchester underneath the existing Mill Road.

But developers opted for a traditional junction with traffic lights.

The parish council claims that will split Myland in two and create traffic chaos.

Clerk Gill Tansley said: "The traffic will lock up completely. The whole area will grind to an almighty stop."

The parish council has drawn up a 30-page report, objecting to the latest proposals for the road, which will link up with the A12 and Cuckoo Farm.

It says the junction is a "travesty" and claim the plans show a "complete disregard" to the local community.

Myland is now hoping other groups will back their fight.

Meanwhile, councillors said they will boycott the official launch of the Northern Approaches road, which is due to be completed in two weeks' time.

"The council has opposed the plans for so long it wouldn't be the right thing to go," said Mrs Tansley.

Published Wednesday, June 11, 2003

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