NEW calls have been made for action to be taken to improve footpaths.

Colchester councillor Dave Harris (Lab) raised concerns about the lack of paths and state of others in Maypole Green to Essex County Council.

The issue is already on the Local Highways Panel’s agenda to be looked at but Mr Harris launched a petition to speed up improvements.

He said: “I raised a formal question to portfolio holders over the risks due to a lack of footpath for children who walk along Berechurch Hall Road.

"They walk to St Michael’s School from estates in Berechurch. The school has been massively expanded with a new build to accommodate new families.

“The footpaths along Berechurch Hall Road are fine, until you come to Maypole Green. Then the footpath disappears and parents are forced to risk life and limb with oncoming traffic.”

Back in 2017 the road was added to the agenda for the Local Highways Panel, which is responsible for road issues in Colchester.

Mr Harris said: “The scheme is in validation, but I highlighted the fact more and more parents are having to walk 150 yards with no footpath.

“Adding to that, this autumn Paxman Academy will open, meaning more young people will have to take this journey.”