A RESIDENT has slammed the position of a new pedestrian crossing near his house, claiming it will cause traffic chaos on a busy main road.

Stanway householder Darryll Pinder says the crossing, which is being built in Church Lane, Colchester, will cause long queues along neighbouring Warren Lane.

The 56-year-old, of Warren Lane, said: “If a lorry had to stop at the crossing, it would be hanging round the corner. It’s ludicrous.

“The traffic often queues on Warren Lane back along the road. Sometimes it goes back to the Tollgate Centre. Without a doubt, this will make it worse.”

He claimed highways staff had agreed it could be built in a different position.

Mr Pinder said he was startled when work began to construct the crossing at the original site.

He added: “We advised the council to put it somewhere else which is more convenient for the residents of Lakelands.

“We don’t feel the county council is taking our concerns into account. It should be on the junction of Tollgate Road, where the roundabout meets Lakelands.

“In its current position, it’s a complete waste of time and money.”

But ward councillor Lesley Scott-Boutell said: “A crossing is something the residents of Lakelands have wanted for a long time.

“This is good news for young people and I can see it being used at school times and when people walk to the shops.

“It is a very difficult place, but the county council is limited to where it can put it as no-one wants a belisha beacon flashing outside their lounge window.

“The highways people are the experts and we have to be guided by their knowledge.”

Michael Page, an Essex County Council spokesman, said: “We are aware of one complaint from a resident regarding the positioning of the new pedestrian crossing on Church Lane. Apart from this, we understood the proposal has the general support of local residents.

“If anyone has any further concerns, we would ask them to contact the area highways office directly.”