UPGRADES are set to be made to alterations in Colchester town centre to make them “semi-permanent”.

A range of social distancing measures were introduced in Colchester town centre last month including banning cars from Colchester High Street.

Barriers were also put in place with the temporary measures being brought in to give pedestrians more space and to encourage cycling as a safer alternative to travelling via public transport during the pandemic.

Read more >>> Colchester high street car ban - how first weeks have gone

Now Essex County Council and Colchester Council have announced upgrades to the street equipment.

There will be new types and colours of semi-permanent barriers and other roadside items which will be more robust and aim to reduce confusion with routine roadworks.

Read more >>> Kevin Bentley speaks on Colchester town centre changes

Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet member for infrastructure, said the councils had listened to feedback from the public.

He added: “We have listened, taken expert advice and approved scheme modifications which address local needs but still deliver the objective of supporting public safety.

“More robust and improved barriers and signs are useful but what has been really valuable is the public engagement and variety of ideas and comments coming into us from all sides.

“We had to install these measures at speed once government said go but now we are developing a more in depth understanding of what works best for everyone and what will best help us achieve our Safer, Greener and Healthier goals.”

Changes being implemented include adjustments to allow better access to businesses in North Station Road and removal of some trial measures to reduce congestion in the same area.

Read More >>> 'Eyesore' barriers are removed from North Station Road, Colchester

An expansion of the 20mph speed limit into adjacent side-streets is also being considered.

Essex Highways is now preparing to make the changes semi-permanent. The measures will remain in place whilst long-term plans are considered and developed.

David King, Colchester Council's business and resources boss, added: “The coronavirus crisis has dramatically altered the way people are using streets in and around the Town Centre, with many more residents walking and cycling to make essential journeys or exercise.

"It was important, therefore, that we moved quickly and flexibly to launch the ‘Safer, Greener, Healthier’ scheme and to put people’s health first.

“We are grateful for the interest of businesses, residents and local councillors.

"Their views are helping us adjust and change, as we await the upgraded measures.

“Further discussions will be held with local business and the Business Improvement District to make this work as well as we can for us all.

"We can and must reconcile our duty to enable social distancing and pedestrian and cyclist flows, with the need of businesses and residents.

"We have a shared interest in safeguarding public health, safety and wellbeing, better air quality in the town and the next steps, including more 20 mph zones.”

To comment, go to SGH.Routes@essex.gov.uk.