Essex cycle path left unsurfaced for five weeks with no date set for completion

At least one Canvey Island cyclist has been left frustrated that Essex Council has not yet set a date to recommence work on a cycle path that is currently unsurfaced. Paul McInerney rides to Benfleet station every day but told the Basildon Recorder he is currently having to use the road and added that he hadn’t seen any workers in the area for the last five weeks.

In January, Essex County Council secured funding to improve the cycle way between Somnes Avenue and Benfleet rail station.

While much of the work has been carried out, the Essex Highways website states: “The scheme will be substantially complete by the end of July 2016, after which there will be a break in the work to allow time for statutory undertakers and other parties to undertake other necessary works in the area. The scheme will reconvene at a future advertised date later this summer to complete remaining works on site, which will include some final surfacing and lamp column removal.”

McInerney said he was keen to know when the work would be completed. "I ride along it to get to Benfleet station every day. It has been left in a shocking state. They have just scraped off the under surface and put a covering of tarmac down and then just left it. I haven't seen anyone there for about five weeks. They have just left it in a state."

He added that part of the route had been finished on Somnes Avenue near the petrol station, but only about 100 metres’ worth. "The rest of it is a shambles. I can't believe they left it like that. In some parts I have to cycle in the road instead of on the cycle way. It could be really good - but they have they left it in such a state."

When the scheme was first announced, Councillor Barry Campagna called it a "waste of money" and suggested that the nearby off-road Winter Gardens Path should have been renovated instead.

Speaking to The Echo, he said: "The Winter Gardens one leads to the same point as where the new one is being put in, and it is actually away from the road too, so it’s actually more safe. The old one is in a bit of a state, but it would surely be better to restore the old one than start digging up the road and wasting money creating a new one."

While the Winter Gardens Path bypasses Somnes Avenue roundabout, weaving through Castle Point Golf Course and a set of allotments, it looks to only cover part of the route currently being renovated.