HIGHWAYS bosses are set to remove a pedestrian crossing to stop buses backing up traffic in Colchester High Street.

Essex County Council plans to remove the uncontrolled crossing outside The George Hotel.

Although there are no lights at the site, Colchester community safety boss Tim Young says it is a mistake to remove the crossing.

He said: "It is a very popular, well-used crossing, so I think it's a mistake to remove it.

"In the hierarchy of road users, I thought pedestrians were meant to come at the top, followed by cyclists and with cars at the bottom.

"I think it's a strange decision, but it is in-keeping with what Essex County Council have been doing in Colchester over the last few years."

County Hall bosses say the work is needed "to better accommodate bus movements and prevent buses obstructing the running lane".

A spokesman said: "We will be removing the uncontrolled pedestrian crossing point located outside the George Hotel and making some minor alterations to the existing bank of bus stops.

"Work will include associated drainage and the relocation of bus stop flags and bus shelters."

He added: “We intend to carry out these works as soon as we can programme them, as part of our commitment to highways improvement schemes.

"As soon as firm dates for the High Street works are available we will let residents know."

Three other town centre schemes have also been outlined.

New paving and lighting are planned for Bank Passage, Pelhams Lane and St Nicholas Passage.

Minor work is also planned on bus stops in Middleborough and Head Street.