CONSERVATIVE councillors say they have always stood by residents opposing a road improvement scheme.

The Lexden Road improvements by Essex Highways have recently come under fire as councillors raised their concerns to Essex County Council.

Colchester councillor Lewis Barber (Cons), said it has always been an unpopular scheme and he was not properly informed about the original plans.

He said: "We are not satisfied by the final plans that have been implemented, in particular around Maldon Road roundabout.

"We have raised our concerns on this and fellow councillor Sue Lissimore is working hard on behalf of the team and the community to make sure any concerns are addressed by Essex Highways."

He did say there were some good points in the latest version of the scheme, and some of the concerns of residents had been heard.

He said: "Improved junction safety on many of the roads off Lexden Road has been a focus and there is improved bus stop positioning to help traffic flow at peak school times.

"We have also got the parking restrictions implemented by Lexden Crown to improve safety and traffic flow, there is a new and improved crossing point at Wellesley Road that will also help safety.

"There has also been improvements to the junction of Glen Avenue and Avenue of Remembrance.

"There will be road resurfacing along Lexden Road as part of the revised plans and just last week we had confirmation from Highways that Lexden Road pavements will also be enhanced and repaired.

"Once again, it would be wrong to say that we are pleased with all of the changes to the area but we have tried to represent the community as best we can.

"Because of this, the revised scheme is a far cry from the original proposals and that we stood by residents in opposition to."