Colchester Crouch Street cycle lane shelved by Essex County Council

A planning blueprint put forward by Essex County Council last year set out a desire to revamp the Balkerne Hill pedestrian crossing and put in place a new cycle lane along Crouch Street West.

The current echelon parking bays on the street, which allow free parking for 30 minutes, would have been replaced by parallel parking spaces, according to the proposals.

Controversial – an artist’s impression of how Crouch Street West would look if the plans went ahead (Image: Essex County Council)

But the plans provoked a huge backlash from business owners and residents, who argued that Crouch Street West’s independent businesses would suffer and health and safety would be compromised by the new Balkerne Hill pedestrian crossing, which would stretch across four lanes.

The Friends of Crouch Street group even enlisted the support of Colchester MP Will Quince, who raised the plans with the secretary of state for transport.

READ MORE: Battle lines drawn in fight for future of the ‘Bond Street of Colchester’

The result of the public and political pressure is that the plans will now not be progressed further, with councillor Lee Scott – county hall’s portfolio holder for highways maintenance and sustainable transport – stating as much in a letter to residents.

It read: “After extensive public engagement and discussions at a very senior level, we have heard the concerns from some residents, and I have decided that the proposals for works on Crouch Street West, Balkerne Hill and Crouch Street East are not to be progressed at this time.

Strength in numbers – protestors have put together a campaign to try and stop the development (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

“Essex County Council remain firmly committed to improving walking, cycling and the availability of public space in the area, and so will be considering alternative interventions with officers, stakeholders, and the funder.”

But not everyone is convinced the axing of the Active Travel plans is the right move, with county councillor Lee Scordis criticising the decision on social media and describing it as “a huge setback.”

He wrote: “This was a great chance to improve Active Travel, improve public health and reduce car usage.

“It was agreed democratically by ward and county councillors and used up hours and hours of officer time.

“I’ve asked for evidence of why this decision was made but I believe councillor Lee Scott needs to resign as the cabinet member for highways – he has shown little interest in these changes and has bowed to a minority.”

“This is great news for Colchester citizens and businesses.”