RONDJE NOORDZEE

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Evening Gazette

17 mei 2001

Colchester: Cycle track blockade is condemned

Developers who have blockaded a section of Colchester's cycleway could cause the town severe embarrassment, it has been claimed.

A group of European cyclists is due to ride the national cycleway through the town in a week's time as part of their 700-mile trip along the North Sea route.

But they could have to dismount when they get here as a piece of the route through Castle Park has been closed by developers seeking permission to build a block of 34 flats on the land.

The site - across the river from the Quality Hotel on East Street - is owned by Wesleyvale.

Since Thursday the land, which is in a willow plantation, has been fenced off and there are security guards on patrol.

While walkers can use an alternative pathway around the area, cyclists have to dismount and push their bikes around it.

Peter Speller, chairman of Colchester Cycling Campaign, described the developers' move as a "disgraceful act".

"Unless this is resolved pretty fast, it's going to be a severe embarrassment, particularly to the mayor who will meet them as one of his first mayoral duties."

Andrew Weavers, legal and committee services manager at Colchester Council, said many residents had aired concerns about the pathway's closure through their ward members.

Nobody from Wesleyvale's solicitors was available for comment yesterday (Wednesday).

Sluit dit venster