Sewer collapse fuels need for traffic reduction

5:14pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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What are the alternatives to a bypass?

This is the question on people's lips after a sewer collapsed in Head Street.

It is the second sewer in the town to collapse within ten months, which may have been caused by heavy traffic.

In February, a county council director said there was "no chance" of the town getting a bypass, but said he was considering alternatives.

Tony Ciaburro, director for development, highways and transportation, has still not outlined what these alternatives are.

Subsidence opposite Forge Veterinary Centre was spotted last week.

Anglian Water started repair work on Monday.

Cllr Jackie Pell said: "The second collapsed sewer just goes to prove how much Halstead needs a bypass.

"We're not going to let the issue drop.

"Mr Ciaburro said there were going to be alternatives, but I think that's just passing the buck."

Repair work should be finished early next week.

Temporary traffic lights have been set up.

Hannah Ardley, 26, joint owner of Hannah Janes Unisex Hairdressing near the collapsed sewer, said:"I think he should make people aware of what the alternatives are at least."