"Appalling" pavements and "dreadful" potholes in Colchester, residents claim
Residents say the worst affected areas are the High Street, North Hill, Balkerne Hill and Southway
Residents have claimed they are suffering “horrendous” falls in an Essex city due to “appalling” pavements. Drivers in Colchester claim they are also facing “large” costs after hitting “dreadful” potholes.
Some residents in the city say it’s the biggest deal and issue affecting them ahead of the local elections tomorrow (May 7). They claim the worst affected areas are the High Street, North Hill, Balkerne Hill and Southway.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service spoke to more than 20 voters who slammed the “disgraceful” state of the roads and paths. Pat Tilley, 71, said: “It’s so dangerous. I know people who were left badly injured after falling on uneven paths. It feels like nothing is being done and nobody cares about it. It’s more of a risk for the disabled and older people too.” She demanded action to fix the broken walkways and paving.
Essex Highways says Colchester is undergoing a major multi-year transformation, supported by over £40 million in government funding to revitalise the city centre by 2030.
Roy Walker, 67, said potholes are frustrating for everyone. He added: “Everyone talks about it the whole time. Many people have been left with awful damage to their cars as the holes are so deep. It is a total disgrace, and the council is doing nothing about it. You would think an election could help get things done.”
Councils across the UK and Essex are preparing for the biggest set of local elections since 2021, with a total of 233 councillors being elected across nine councils in Essex.
A taxi driver who asked to remain anonymous said the roads and pavements are “shocking.” The 37-year-old, who is a father-of-two, said: “We all pay out rates and taxes but I am unsure what they are used for. The limited life of the patch work repairs is a waste but it is the underlying deterioration that is the deeper worry, I see little prospect of better. We pay our road tax then play dodge the pothole. It makes sense, right? Maybe we should stop paying until the roads are fixed.”
A spokesman for Essex Highways added: “Major projects like the regeneration of St Botolph’s Circus, the East Hill walking and cycling improvements and the Colchester Rapid Transit scheme provide further opportunities for improved roads, pavements and highways assets. This has been seen recently on Clingoe Hill, Northern Approach Road and Head Street.”