Cyclists are saddling up to fight plans to scrap a vital cycle link to Witham town centre.

Under plans by Essex County Council, cyclists would be unable to use Guithavon Road as a link to Witham town centre.

The road has been a one-way street since 1996, but cyclists are allowed to ride against traffic flow on the blocked side of the road to gain access to the main shopping area surrounding Newland Street.

But county council planners now say heavy delivery lorries make the road too dangerous for cycle use, despite the protests of Witham cyclists who claim there is no safe alternative route to the town centre.

A county highways spokesman said: "The area manager considered alterations to the scheme but, unfortunately, due to road widths, it was not possible to introduce a contraflow cycle lane along the length of the restrictions."

Peter Fox, of Witham Cycling Campaign, said: "This is an important issue which will not just inconvenience people but put their safety at risk. One quarter of the population being cut off from a proper cycle route to the town centre is not a trivial matter."

Braintree Council Witham area committee will discuss the cycle route agenda item at a meeting on December 19 at 7.15pm.

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