PROPOSALS which could see a bus gate introduced on a busy road would hurt more than 20 small businesses, it has been claimed.

The Essex County Council plan could see motorists stopped from travelling down North Station Road from the Albert roundabout.

Bus gates are typically a short section of street in which only buses and other authorised vehicles can go through.

Read more >>> Busy town roundabout could be turned into a Dutch-style roundabout

But Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell fears it could adversely affect businesses in North Station Road.

Sir Bob, who persuaded County Hall to remove temporary barriers along the route preventing parking in the 30 minutes spaces, described the plans as “an even more draconian restriction”.

He said: “These are not measures to help businesses. They are measures which will damage businesses.

“All the parking is on the eastern side of North Station Road, which means that most drivers who stop are facing in the forward direction.

“Banning traffic from entering from the north would have them parked on the ‘wrong’ side of the road and thus on departing they will have to negotiate against on-coming traffic.”

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Sir Bob also said it would create more congestion at Colne Bank Avenue and Colne Bank roundabout.

In Crouch Street, the council could remove some parking to make more room for cyclists.

Jo Dilworth, owner of Dillys Florists in Crouch Street, said traders would be worried if it went ahead.

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She said: “I don’t agree with removing parking because our customers rely on those 30 minute parking spaces. “A lot of people stop there and collect from us and from [other businesses along here].

“We have already got a cycle path. We don’t want them doing anything.”

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Robert Mitchell, deputy member for infrastructure at Essex County Council said: “We have a duty of care to help businesses restart after lockdown and build confidence for their customers.

“We also have a duty to protect their health, cut pollution levels and reduce congestion.

“None of these things are achievable unless we all change our habits. This bid will do just that.

“Many people will still need to use their cars for absolute necessity but many more of us don’t.

“I would encourage everyone, who can, to park out of the town and walk to their favourite shops or takeaways.

“This is perfectly possible with Park and Ride and nearby car parks.

“Giving pedestrians and cyclists priority is how we build back better for everyone.

“I hope for the sake of Colchester residents and particularly the future of our children, that people really understand this because if not, chaos and poor health will be the result.”