A FRUSTRATED resident says a road has been left in a dangerous state after lowcost resurfacing.

Chippings have been spread in Straight Road, Colchester.

Peter Laurie, of nearby Sterling Close, said they have been thrown up by the traffic, leaving bare patches and heaps of chippings.

He said: “The road has taken on a new, striped look.

“The dislodged material has created a surplus of loose chippings beside the bald tracks.

“It has created a dangerous surface where a driver would be at high risk of skidding if forced to brake or swerve.

“Why this method of repair was used on a busy route like Straight Road puzzles me, when what looks like more permanent materials have been used on nearby roads with much less traffic.

“Another triumph at the taxpayers' expense for county highways.”

Surface dressing is considered an extremely cost effective way of ensuring a road stays in a good condition.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said 20mph signs have been placed next to the road until the work is completed.

He said: “We are improving Straight Road using a process called surface dressing.

“A thin layer of bitumen binder is applied to the road surface and stone chippings are rolled into it to form a protective, water-resistant and anti-skid layer which makes the road less slippery and extends its life.

“As soon as the bitumen has set, the road is swept to remove any loose chippings, however, some chippings will remain on the road surface until it beds down.

“After one week, engineers will return to sweep up any chippings and repaint road markings.”