PLANS to scrap an untidy and “dangerous” underpass and replace it with a pedestrian plaza are still no closer to completion.

In 2017, Essex County Council started considering the redesign of St Botolph’s roundabout and underpass in Colchester.

The aim was to try to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and anti-social behaviour.

Two years on and not much has changed with residents concerned plans to scrap the roundabout and create a new plaza have been shelved.

County councillor Lee Scordis (Lab)said he was shocked by the state of the underpass.

He said: “The steps have always been dangerous with many in a state of neglect.

“Now there are large numbers of slabs that have been removed and thrown in the bushes.

“Essex Highways made no attempt to repair the slabs and have instead put three large cones on the steps.

“It’s a kick in the teeth to residents of Colchester who pay their taxes but see the town ignored.”

New Town resident Jackie Tizzard added: “The stairs are like a death trap and the engineers have just put traffic cones down. How does this make it any safer?”

In November, plans to create a pedestrian plaza moved a step closer with the county council saying it would carry out survey work. The work was due to take place in January but was delayed.

A new junction could be created connecting Southway, Mersea Road, St Botolph’s Street and Magdalen Street.

And among the early proposals was one to create a new junction between Southway and Stanwell Street to enable right turning both ways.

County councillor responsible for infrastructure Kevin Bentley said: “I am aware of the current issues and have raised this with our highways team. An inspector has been there in the last few days to re-assess the situation so repairs to the underpass can be immediately addressed.

“We also remain committed to improving the area in the longer-term.”