FED UP Colchester residents have been left frustrated after a road which closed for emergency repairs has still not reopened 11 months later.
Rosebery Avenue was shut in May last year for repair works.
But the pavement on the road subsequently collapsed meaning works have dragged on.
David Blackett, 68, is a retired driving instructor who lives in nearby Nicholsons Grove, Colchester, says drivers have instead been forced to use Smythies Avenue to get around the closure.
But David believes it’s not helpful to pedestrians who must cross the road to get past or for motorists.
And he claims it has caused potholes to open up on the road.
He said: “They put the diversion sign ups, but when travelling up and down the road, I haven’t seen anyone on that site for over a year.
“It’s not a major impact but it’s just a frustration that the road is closed.
“Over the last 12 months, Smythies Avenue has taken a hell of a battering.
“There has been a lot of potholes, but they have filled them.
“It’s more awkward for the people who live further up Rosebery Avenue, as they then have to do a three point turn to come back out of the road.
“It’s fortunate we can use Smythies Road as a diversion but it’s still frustrating, we want it sorted as soon as possible.”
According to the Essex Highways website, this road closure is specifically in connection to repairing a footway.
The section of road is a distance approximately of 30 metres in a north easterly direction.
The footway repair works are said to be undertaken by Walnut Tree Developments.
A spokesman for Essex Highways said: "Emergency repair works at Rosebery Avenue, Colchester, have been ongoing since May last year.
"Unfortunately, the footway has since collapsed, which is causing ongoing safety issues.
"We are currently awaiting plans from the contractor to conduct the necessary repairs.
"These works are expected to be completed in May.
"We encourage members of the public to report any defects or issues they find through our online Tell Us tool at www.essexhighways.org/tell-us. "
The works are expected to be carried out until May 12.
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