HIGHWAYS workmen laid a new section of pavement, but left dangerous kerbs next to it unfixed, it is claimed.

Residents have been campaigning for better paths in Queen Mary Avenue, Colchester, for years.

Essex County Council renewed part of the pavement recently, but left most of it unrepaired.

Kim Naish, Labour borough councillor for Berechurch, says only 30 yards of some 200 yards of faulty pavement has been relaid.

He added: “The pavements have been in a disgraceful state for years.

“I saw them renewing the pavement and thought ‘great, it’s about time that was done’ .

“But one of the workmen said they had only been told to do that little bit and they’d be leaving the rest.

“I can’t understand why they’ve left the rest.

“There are at least half a dozen places which are downright dangerous. There’s a hole in one part of the pavement and the kerbs are sticking out at least an inch-and-a-half or two inches.

“It’s a real hazard, especially for elderly people.”

Mr Naish said he thought it would have been more cost effective to have replaced the whole pavement at the same time.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “This section was identified for improvement in an annual inspection of the road.

“No other improvements are planned for this road, however, as the road is inspected annually, any further defects which are found will be dealt with accordingly.”