RESIDENTS in Colchester have had their say on what they consider to be the worst roads in the city, with some being described as "awful".
Essex County Council last year revealed it no longer had a revenue budget for fixing potholes.
As a result, the authority revealed it had become entirely reliant on the Department for Transport’s pothole fund and capital maintenance allocation.
At the time, the council's budget statement showed roads and footways in the county were now in a state of "managed decline".
Shockingly, it revealed Essex County Council was investing only £36.6 million per year of the £77 million required to maintain the assets.
In May, however, the authority announced an extra £3 million had been set aside to carry out more maintenance and repair work in roads in Essex, in addition to a £9 million windfall confirmed in February.
Additional crews have also been added to the Essex Highways team to help meet the volume of repairs required in cities such as Colchester.
The Gazette has since asked its readers what they consider to be the worst roads to drive on in Colchester.
Some were frustrated by how consistently busy the roads can be in the city centre, while others raised concerns over the area's narrow roads.
William James said: “Brook Street, since the removal of the roundab
“I dread what Mersea Road, Madelaine Street and Southway will be like when they do the same at St Botolph's Roundabout.”
Norman Noblin added: “Head Street [is one of the worst] with all the takeaway drivers parked on double yellow lines.”
Cowdray Avenue, Ipswich Road roundabout and the Greenstead roundabout were also cited as being problematic, especially during rush hour.
Many residents fumed about the number of potholes in Colchester.
Steve Mann said: “Villa Road is pretty bad again these days.
“They 'fixed' the continuous pothole all down the centre of the road a few years ago but it's back with a vengeance now.”
Bev Ward said: “Roundabout at top of Berechurch Hall Road, Abberton and Layer Road has more potholes than road.”
Speaking previously Lee Scott, Essex County Council cabinet member for Highways Maintenance and Sustainable Transport, said: “Essex has around 5,000 miles of roads, the equivalent of travelling overland from Chelmsford to Beijing.
“The fact is we will never get to a point where we will be able to fix every pothole or streetlight needing repair within any given year.
"We will need to continue to prioritise those which require immediate attention because of safety or other wider concerns over more minor repairs."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel