Colchester East Street bollards replace old 'eyesore' barriers

Work to remove the red and white barriers on the bridge in East Street have been completed after beginning last week.

The week-long works began on Monday with the new bollards now in place.

City centre councillor Steph Nissen, who previously dubbed the barriers an “eyesore”, was delighted to see the barriers finally removed.

New - the bollards have replaced the former red and white barriers (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “It looks much better and is great for the area.

“The design is in keeping with the general aesthetic of the area, it blends in nicely with the Siege House, railings on the bridge and other buildings.

“It is not demanding or ostentatious and I would say it is visually appealing.”

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. 

Essex Highways said 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.”

Ditched - the old red and white barriers are finally gone after years (Image: Essex Highways)

The works were managed using temporary two-way lights to allow pedestrians to safely cross.

Ms Nissen added: “There have been some concerns raised about the width but standing here it is at least a meter and a half which is perfect for strollers and wheelchairs, allowing people to move to the side and let people past.

“I am also pleased the quality of paving is good and it was completed on time.

“There are a few cones and roadworks signs left so I just hope they can be removed soon.”