WORRIED councillors have expressed concerns over a potential lack of overnight parking for residents during upcoming roadworks.
The work was due to start next Friday, but following a spout of bad weather Barrack Street, Maudlyn Road, and Hythe Hill are now due to be resurfaced from Monday, May 22.
A no stopping restriction will be in place while the overnight works are carried out, leaving councillors no choice but to request community centres open their car parks through the night to alleviate parking issues.
Newly elected Hythe councillor Fay Smalls said: “We have written to Essex County Council asking them to open the Wilson Marriage Centre car park, and the Hythe Community Centre to see if the same arrangement can be agreed there.
“As someone who has worked shift work, I know how frustrating it can be to come home in the evening after a long day and then struggle to find parking.”
Her fellow ward councillor Lee Scordis said despite their concern for motorists living in the area, the councillors welcome the resurfacing works, which will improve the major route through the east of Colchester.
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“We are delighted to see that this vital route is being resurfaced,” he said.
Mr Scordis, who also represents the area as a county councillor, added: “Barrack Street has been a concern for some time, while the junction of Port Lane and Hythe Hill has been a hotspot for potholes recently.”
Despite their best efforts, the councillors will have to go back to the drawing board after the authority responsible for highways confirmed it will not be able to accommodate the request for parking at the Wilson Marriage Centre.
A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: “Due to the recent wet weather over the last few weeks, the upcoming overnight resurfacing works on Barrack Street, Maudlyn Road, and Hythe Hill have now been moved to May 22.
“Unfortunately, the Wilson Marriage Centre car park is locked overnight and so cannot be used for alternative parking during the works.”
An alternative route, diverting traffic through nearby streets, will be available while the resurfacing works are completed.
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