PEDESTRIANS had to dodge traffic across four lanes near Colchester North train station after traffic lights failed.

The lights, in Station Way, were off from Friday lunchtime until Monday morning because of an electrical fault.

Martin Goss, borough councillor for Mile End, was alerted to the problem on Saturday and tried to get it resolved.

He said: “It was a shambles.

People were putting their lives in danger because there was no safe way of crossing what is a very busy road without traffic coming to a stop.

“I was calling officers and councillors from Essex County Council. This is Essex County Council at its worst.

“No-one knew who to speak to, whether it was officers, contractors or councillors.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “We apologise for any inconvenience.”