West Chelmsford MP Simon Burns has complained about problems with the planned new bus lane in New London Road.

"A considerable number of people in Old Moulsham, including myself, were utterly opposed to the waste of public money on a bus lane in New London Road," he said.

"We were told that the bus lane project would be completed by March 31.

"It is now the middle of June and the bus lane is still not completed."

Mr Burns described the situation as unsatisfactory and said that it could have been better handled by Chelmsford Borough Council.

A spokeswoman for the council said that it had completed all the work it was required to do and was waiting for Essex County Council to finish work on the crossings.

An Essex County Council spokesman said that there had been problems with the supply of equipment and the co-ordination of contractors, and a knock-on effect on the installation of signals.

"It is this that has delayed the implementation of the bus lane," he said. "The county council is the highway authority and must accept any blame.

"However, we would ask for a little understanding all round as we develop our proposals in the light of experience. The operational difficulties should be addressed by the new all-inclusive contracts introduced on June 1."

By Kathleen Corby

Reporter's e-mail: kathleen.corby@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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