THE removal of “eyesore” barriers which have plagued a bridge in Colchester’s city centre for several years has been hailed, with residents saying: "Good riddance.”

Work to remove the red and white barriers on the bridge in East Street has been ongoing for a week after starting last Monday but are due to be completed today. 

Whilst the “temporary barriers” were being replaced, access was managed using temporary two-way lights to allow pedestrians to safely cross the bridge.

Barricades were first put on either side of the bridge nearly a decade ago before they were replaced in September 2017 by the red and white ones which have been in place ever since. 

Gazette: Old - the barriers were first put in place in 2015 before the red and white ones replaced themOld - the barriers were first put in place in 2015 before the red and white ones replaced them (Image: Newsquest)

City centre councillor Steph Nissen says she is delighted to finally see the “eyesore” barriers being taken away.

She said: “I welcome this overdue resolution to the eyesore.

“As pleased as I am this is finally underway, it is disgraceful it’s taken years to get to the point of action.

“This specific area has a beautiful converted mill, splendid Siege House, and historic cottages. The aesthetic was somewhat diminished by the red and white.

Gazette: Relieved - councillor Steph Nissen is happy to see the barriers finally being removedRelieved - councillor Steph Nissen is happy to see the barriers finally being removed (Image: Newsquest)

“I am pleased the projected works were only due to take a week, minimising disruption to residents and visitors, and I urge Essex County Council to complete them on time.”

Gazette reader Kevin Pugh echoed the delight at the barriers being removed.

He said: “They are hideous and look like they belong at a tacky seaside go-kart track, not an area full of heritage. Good riddance.”

Janet King added: “About time. This is the historical part of town and it made it look shabby.”

Essex Highways has defended the use of the barriers, saying they were set up to improve pedestrian safety with a view to being replaced by the new bollards.

“While the roadway across East Bridge, which was built in 1802, is sound, the pavements on either side are supported by ironwork which is more than 100 years old and has badly corroded,” a spokesman said previously.

“Barriers have therefore been erected as a safety measure to prevent vehicles from mounting the pavement and overloading it.”