Norman Way Colchester sees giant spots painted on road

The temporary street art appeared on the Lexden side of Norman Way in Colchester as part of a campaign to get children cycling and walking to school.

The road is the main route to schools Philip Morant, St Benedict’s and Colchester County High School for Girls.

Some residents have said the giant circles could put pupils in danger by encouraging them to walk in the road.

Unique scheme - the spots in Norman Way (Image: Newsquest)

But Essex County Council argued the scheme makes the area more “attractive”.

A spokeswoman said the coloured spots were painted as part of the creation of the new Healthy School Streets initiative from County Hall.

The scheme aims to improve road safety around schools and encourage more walking and cycling, making people more aware they are near a school.

Prettygate councillor Sue Lissimore said she thinks the designs are “unacceptable” for a residential area.

Criticism - Prettygate councillor Sue Lissimore has branded the scheme unacceptable (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “I have compared it to Teletubby land. It is not acceptable.

“I feel very sorry for the residents who will be having visitors over Easter and will have to explain what they are.

“We want to do everything we can to make streets around schools safer but I do not believe this is the right way to go about it.”

Mrs Lissimore said she nor the council’s cabinet member for the area were shown the designs of the large blue, orange, red and green spots.

Controversial - the scheme has split opinion (Image: Newsquest)

“This has been done in London and it highlights that this is not a normal road, this is a school road, but in this particular street it is not acceptable.”

A spokeswoman for Essex County Council did not reveal how much the project cost to install, but said residents were consulted on the idea.

They said 74 per cent agreed with the principle of setting up School Streets in Colchester.

She added: “The street art is intended to make the streets more noticeable and alert drivers to road safety and children travelling to school.”