COUNCIL chiefs have pledged to support residents and Colchester United fans who want a stadium access road to be safer.

A petition with nearly 1,000 signatures and 69 letters calling for upgrades to Boxted Road have been handed to Colchester Council leader Anne Turrell.

The road is closed to traffic after games because of safety fears.

Supporters and residents want street lights, wider pavements and barriers along the pavement.

Fans want to be able to get out safely and residents do not want the road to be closed.

Malcolm Nicholson, of Boxted Road, said: “We have a stadium that picked up two impressive awards and we should be very proud of that achievement, and yes, the stadium is impressive.

“But, unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the road infrastructure around it.

“Our petition, with around 1,000 signatures, shows the depth of feeling there is from both residents and supporters to lobby the council to take positive action.”

Paul Ost, from Colchester United Supporters’ Association, said improvements needed to be introduced or an accident could happen.

In response to Mr Nicholson and Mr Ost, Mrs Turrell said: “We do accept your petition and we will start negotiations and talks with Essex County Council on behalf of the residents and the supporters of Colchester United.”

The signatures had been collected from Boxted Road residents and fans visiting the Weston Homes Community Stadium in the past few weeks.

The stadium opened in August 2008.

It was commended in the community benefit category at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ international awards last week.