Campaigners battling proposals to reverse the traffic flow along a narrow one-way street in Colchester say they are ‘over the moon’ the plans have been dropped.
Essex County Council’s plans to switch the one-way on Priory Street was intended to reduce congestion in the town centre and help support access to nearby shop.
A public consultation was organised, including two information events, but the plans faced fierce criticism with residents overwhelmingly rejecting the idea.
Stewart Bond, chairman of the Priory Area Residents’ Association, said the council had listened to common sense.
“We are over the moon,” he said.
“It is one of those cases where people have actually listened to the evidence and common sense has prevailed.
“It is brilliant, the Sword of Damocles has come down.
“The point is they must have realised there was something wrong because of the backlash.
“It wasn’t just from Priory Street, it was from the whole of Colchester.
“It is a great result for common sense.”
Councillor Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council deputy leader and cabinet member for economic growth and infrastructure, said: The public gave us a clear steer against any changes to the current one-way set up on Priory Street and we are more than happy to listen.
“I would like to thank everyone who took time out of their day to give us their views on this scheme.
“It is vital the public engage with events such as these to ensure we continue to build a road system that works for everyone.”
Article originally published by the East Anglian Daily Times.
