COLCHESTER Council has lifted the lid on its criticisms of the anticipated Lexden Road bus lane.

A formal objection has been published online, subject to it been called into the full council, stating it does not support the unpopular plans as they are.

The authority has drawn attention to its substandard design relating to conflict issues between pedestrians and cyclists, and how it will have a significant impact on the street scape and conservation area.

Criticisms have also been made towards a lack of assessment about the strengths and weaknesses of the current arrangements, no alternative options been presented, and poor public engagement.

The plans to create a bus lane along Lexden Road were first made available to the public at an information event last month.

In January 2015, a Colchester Council officer expressed concerns about the development after been approached by Essex County Council’s design team.

These suggestions were largely ignored, the council discovered, when members attended the information event, which was held at Colchester Royal Grammar School.

It is one of six schools whose students will be affected by the potential shared footway-cycleway path on the south side of the road.

Councillor Michael Lilley, portfolio holder for transport, as well as safer communities and licensing, has authorised the objection.

He said it is the council's intention for the project to be scrapped.

He said: “It’s one of those rare occurrences when everyone agrees it’s not fit for purpose and a complete waste of money, which could be better spent on other developments in the area.

“We don’t think it’s a viable option and there’s been no support from ward councillors, residents or the cycling fraternity.

“I personally want more cycle lanes and bus lanes and want to improve congestion, but there’s nothing in the report which will positively impact the flow of traffic.

“The only aspect of the report the council do agree with is having parking restrictions put in near the Lexden Crown Pub because it’s a bottleneck up there.”

As well as a mass demonstration to lobby county councillors being held tomorrow at 11am, from Norman Way to Crouch Street, where the public area near the fountain could be refurbished, hundreds have signed a petition against the scheme.

Colchester Council has urged its county peers to improve their scheme development processes so evidence is made better available to the public.

The deadline for submitting your feedback on Lexden Road is Monday, July 4.

Visit www.essexhighways.org/Transport-and-Roads/Highway-Schemes-and-Developments/Major-Schemes/Lexden-Road-Scheme-Proposal.aspx.