DRIVERS will have to face a THREE month wait for roadworks to be completed after defects were found.

Essex Highways is in the process of resurfacing Paxman Avenue in Shrub End, Colchester.

However, works came to a halt before workers were able to lay the final layer of tarmac due to a number of defects coming to light.

The unfinished road is starting to cause damage to residents’ cars.

County councillor Dave Harris (Lab) raised the issue at County Hall.

He said: “I pointed out the tarmac was scraped back to the concrete below about three weeks ago.

“I was initially pleased as I have been asking for Shrub End estate roads to be resurfaced for years.

“Normally the tarmac is laid a day or two after the preparation scraping back so the delay is unusual, I asked why it has taken so long.

“I know of two cars damaged due to the delay in laying the new surface and have helped both of these drivers.”

Shrub End councillor Lyn Barton (Lib Dem) also raised concerns as County Hall bosses said the works will not be finished until August.

She said: “It’s ridiculous to remove the top surface and then not resurface.

“The dropped kerbs have a ridge that wheels get caught in, it needs a temporary slope putting down so disabled people can access it safely.”

The road is outside the new Paxman Academy which is due to open in September.

An Essex Highways spokesperson said: “We have carried out some preparation work on the road.

“Resurfacing will not take place this week, however, we continue to monitor the developer’s progress with the school and hope to carry out the required joint-sealing and micro-surfacing work during August to provide a new, waterproof surface which prevents potholes for years to come.

“Because the planing to remove the top layer has exposed some defects in the surface, we hope to quickly carry out some patching work to correct these, pending the micro-surfacing work in August.

“This is rapid mobile working, so does not need a permit.”