COUNCIL bosses they cannot allow Colchester to “come to a grinding halt” and have vowed to make the town “work for everyone”.

Top level talks took place between Essex County Council and Colchester Council representatives on Tuesday as the chiefs continue to plan for the next 30 years.

Among the top-of-the-agenda items were improving Cowdray Avenue and Queen Street as well as tackling constant congestion around North Station.

There are also plans to remodelling the Warren Lane junction with Maldon Road, in Stanway.

Bosses are also trying to speed up the Colchester Park and Ride so users can get to and from the town centre in less than nine minutes.

Detailed plans on what measures will be taken will be unveiled in September.

Kevin Bentley, deputy leader of Essex County Council, hailed the talks as a “the first step in creating a truly joined up transport network across Colchester”.

He said: “It is crucially important that as we move forward with plans for growth, jobs and housing for this generation and the next that we also plan proper transport links that work for everyone.

“We cannot afford for transport infrastructure to fall behind and that is what this meeting was all about.”

He added: “I want a proper plan in place that looks forward to the future and will give confidence to residents that Colchester will not come to a grinding halt in future years.

“It will take a great deal of planning and partnership working with the borough council and we need to share this vision with the people of Colchester, but I am confident that after such a productive meeting we will start to make real progress.

“This is the first step in creating a truly joined up transport network across Colchester.”

So far, £50 million has been invested into road, cycle and bus infrastructure across the borough in a bid to reduce the impact of congestion on residents and businesses.

Paul Smith, leader of Colchester Council, said proposals focus around improving public health as well as safety.

He said: “One of the things we are looking at is trying to reduce people using cars by improving bus services.

“We are finding there’s a lot of reaction that it doesn’t work very well for commuters, as some of the last buses leave at 7pm.

“So could we look at changing the scheme there to encourage people to [use buses]?

“There’s also the number of vehicles doing a right turn into Lewis Gardens by Firstsite, and that holds traffic up.

“We are looking at what we call ‘quick wins’.”

He added: “The meeting with Essex County Council underlined our shared commitment to move forward, in partnership, to deliver improved transport for the people of Colchester.

“Collaboration is vital, if we I want a proper plan in place... Colchester will not come to a grinding halt in future years are to develop sustainable solutions to the transport issues that impact residents, the environment and the local economy.

“We can now begin to move forward with proposals that will enhance park and ride, prioritise walking and safe cycling, and see additional buses fitted with emissions reduction technology – which in turn will help reduce congestion, improve air quality and promote public health in the borough.”

A meeting is scheduled for September when it is understood detailed plans will be unveiled.