CAMPAIGNERS have conceded defeat in their battle to stop a crossing being moved.

Essex County Council will move the Toucan Crossing on Cymbeline Way 200 metres along Colne Bank Avenue despite objections from a school, police, walking and cycling campaigners.

Plans for the crossing and the widening of part of Colne Bank Avenue into two lanes were on show at an information event at Colchester Institute yesterday.

Cycling campaigner Will Bramhill said: “The money spent is being wasted, but this is all set in stone and I think it is possibly too late to make a change.

“It just shows the county council’s transparency as they have been very secretive about it.

“This is a show and tell, not a show and ask.”

He claimed vulnerable groups such as the disabled and elderly have been ignored.

He said: “They have not asked early on. The area has been judged as high risk to them but no measures have been put in place for that, they are just going to observe it and not speak to the people directly affected.”

The crossing is often used by train commuters, schoolchildren, students and shoppers.

It is also claimed the speed of cars approaching the crossing would increase so any collision could prove fatal.

Currently cars are already slowing for a roundabout when they approach the crossing.

Jos Claessen, treasurer at the Priory Street Residents Association, raised concerns about the speed of traffic.

He said: “The traffic goes extremely fast from the roundabout, people here are too addicted to their cars and cyclists and pedestrians feel exposed to them.

“I can’t really see what use the moving of the crossing has.”

Essex County Council said concerns have been taken on board.

Alan Lindsay, transport strategy and engagement manager, said: “We have had a mixed response at the information afternoon.

“The concern is the desire line and the fear that people are going to try and use the existing crossing, but we are putting safety barriers in place so there will be no access to the previous crossing.”

The crossing work, including widening the pavement and extending the 40mph section of the road, is expected to be carried out within weeks.