VISITORS to Maldon are being given the wrong impression of the town because of poor upkeep, a resident has warned.

Concerns have been raised over the state of the Limebrook Way roundabout, near Morrisons in Maldon.

Brian Cooper, of Elm Avenue, Heybridge, believes the lack of maintenance on the roundabout island is putting people off coming to the town.

He said: “It is the first impression visitors to the town get, and it is an absolute sight.

“We had some friends come down a few weeks ago.

“All the weeds growing out of there have got to about 2ft or 3ft.

“If they are not going to keep the grass tidy, then why not just pave over it with slabs so it at least doesn’t look so much of a mess.

“My other half and I go out on a Saturday and Sunday when we can to places like Southend and Colchester and it is a world of difference.

“We went up north last Saturday, and we saw blokes on the roundabouts and the verges cutting back the weeds and the grass to keep it tidy, and they looked great. Why can’t we have people doing that for the roundabouts around here?”

Richard Holmes, director of community services at Maldon District Council, said: “Our countryside and coast team have been tending to several roundabouts in the district in the last few days including the one on Limebrook Way.

“We have also been speaking to our colleagues in Essex County Council highways and we understand their contractors will be carrying out remedial works the Spital Road roundabout.

“We recognise the roundabouts have not been well looked after and we are putting a program of works in place to address this in the future.”