DRIVERS are facing an endless wait for a small bridge to be repaired after its opening was pushed back for the fourth time.

No guarantee has even been given for when work will finish..

Residents and businesses who use Spring Lane, in Colchester, have already endured significant delays to replace the bridge, with work having started just over a year ago.

It was finally expected to be open at the end of last month.

However, it has once again been pushed back, with the provisional finish date now set as March 13.

The American Golf shop, in Bridge Lane, has been steadily losing business.

Gary Conway, manager, said: “It’s absolutely ridiculous. We are already down on like for like takings for last year.

“I’ve had people saying they would come here, but it now takes them too long so they go elsewhere. Essex County Council is making these decisions which are really affecting us, yet they won’t give us any compensation.

“Plus, you drive past and the workers aren’t even doing anything.”

Replacing the bridge, which was meant to be completed in August, has been beset with problems.

Flooding, a fallen tree and poor ground conditions have all contributed to the setback, with residents having to find alternative routes, which take them across Colchester.

Martin Goss, ward councillor for Mile End, said: “It’s embarrassing and appalling.

“It is totally unacceptable and I think those who are in charge should be considering their positions.

“The reactions I am getting from residents just shows what a low opinion they have of Essex County Council. Someone should be fired over this.”

The Gazette asked County Hall how much the project had already run over budget, but it refused to say.

Eddie Johnson, the county councillor responsible for highways maintenance and small scheme delivery, said: “We have continually been hampered by adverse weather conditions on the Spring Lane bridge project, particularly by the heavy rainfall late last year. This often resulted in the river level being raised by more than 1.5metres, overwhelming the temporary dam and flooding the working areas.

“Each time the site flooded, damage occurred to the work already completed and it had to repaired before we could start again.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delays and, weather permitting, we hope to finish the project by mid-March.”