A “DANGEROUS” sunken section of pavement is finally set to be repaired after three years of negotiations.

The pathways in Lightship Way, Colchester, have been gradually deteriorating in condition and at one particular section a two-foot deep gap has appeared below the paving stones.

Up to now no-one has taken responsibility for the repairs because the road remains unadopted after the firm which built the nearby flats went into liquidation.

However, Rylands Associates, which manages the flats, has agreed to conduct stopgap repairs to the worst section of the path to protect residents’ safety.

Ward councillors Tim Young, Tina Bourne and Julie Young have lobbied Essex Highways, liquidators and the property managers for repairs to the pavement.

Mr Young said: “The pathway has sunk and it has become an accident waiting to happen.

"It has been at least three years where nothing has happened and the path has had no repairs at all."

Rylands Associates will complete repairs before Easter but the work is being done without the firm accepting liability for future works.

Julie Young said: “I am delighted after years of complaining that this is going to be resolved.

"Grateful thanks go to Rylands who are paying for this work on the unadopted footpath that was a real safety hazard.”

Gazette: Councillor Julie Young with the sunken section of pathCouncillor Julie Young with the sunken section of path

Essex County Council says Lightship Way needs corrective work before it could be adopted.

A spokesperson said: “Discussions have taken place between Colchester Council and Essex Highways and we are in the process of arranging a meeting with adjacent landowners to agree a way forward.”

  • Mr Young is a candidate in Greenstead at Colchester Council elections on May 2. The other candidates are John Clifton (Green), Christopher Lee (Independent), Christopher Piggot (Conservative) and Chantelle-Louise Whyborn (Lib Dem).