Colchester Council accused of 'lacking the skill' to solve transport issues

Kevin Bentley, deputy leader of Essex County Council and infrastructure boss, made the remarks after plans to invest £2 million in improving Colchester were announced.

Colchester Council is aiming to use £550,000 to boost the borough’s transport infrastructure, working with the county council and public transport operators.

As part of the plan, the council is looking at taking back control of pothole and footpath repair from county hall.

But Mr Bentley, who is also a Colchester borough councillor, levelled criticism at the plans, which are due to go before Cabinet next Wednesday.

“It is usual for discussions to take place before announcements of this nature are made, but unfortunately Colchester did not extend this courtesy to me,” he said.

“I am looking forward to hearing more about their plans, because unfortunately £500,000 is not nearly enough money to solve Colchester’s transport issues.

“Of even more concern is the fact they do not have the necessary skills and expertise to solve them.

“I am determined to improve the condition of the county’s roads and investing in Colchester’s network, as I have recently highlighted in the media, is a part of that.

“While we do not appear to have been extended the same courtesy, we will, of course, continue to work in partnership with other authorities to make this pledge a reality as part of our commitment to devolution.”

But Martin Goss, Colchester councillor responsible for infrastructure, said: “Kevin is exceedingly aware of our aspirations laid out in these plans and I have exchanged emails with him in recent weeks discussing this very matter.

“He said he is happy to look at relinquishing road repairs to borough and parish councils and I have that in writing.

“I thought he would be pleased to have the extra money. Of course, £500,000 is not supposed to solve all transport issues, but it does show we are happy to work with the county council.”