WORK on a long-awaited zebra crossing designed to keep youngsters safe is set to be completed by the start of the school summer holidays.

Essex Highways workers are now ready to start work on the new crossing in Lower Marine Parade, Dovercourt, close to the skating rink and amusement arcade.

County councillor for Harwich, Ivan Henderson, said the plans had first been mooted in 2013, but had suffered delays because of funding.

He said: “The first light columns have now gone up and I am told the majority of the work will be carried out during June. Fingers crossed, we should have the zebra crossing in place for the summer holidays.

“Cars go quite fast down there and there are all sorts of things like the skating rink, cafes and the amusement arcades, so it is quite busy.”

A spokesman for Essex Highways confirmed work is scheduled to finish in time for the school holidays.