Angry residents claim wibbly-wobbly double yellow lines are turning their picturesque streets into an eyesore.

Bright new road markings which appeared in Wivenhoe conservation area have sparked fury.

It has led to grumbles that the town's streets are turning into the Yellow Brick Road.

Borough councillor Bob Newman is less than impressed with the council's handiwork. He has got new double yellows outside his house in West Street.

"The whole thing is an appalling bodge up. It's a complete and utter mess," he said.

"The quality of work is third rate at best it really is that bad.

"Some of the lines aren't straight and they don't even follow the existing lines underneath."

Highways chiefs are allowed to use extra narrow road markings in conservation areas, which are covered by strict rules about what changes can and can't be made to the street scene.

But Wivenhoe's new lines are full-size. And in some places the double yellows almost merge to create a super-thick line.

Colchester Council designs and projects manager Beverley Gould says Government regulations give the council discretion over where they put different sized lines.

"We have got somebody looking into it and if there is a problem we will sort it out," she said.

Published Thursday, May 29, 2003

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