Dark realities on the way

For anybody who really does want to take the council's advice to heart and leave the car behind for getting around Colchester, a dark reality lurks in the way of most journeys: pedestrian subways. While motorists pass comfortably overhead in broad daylight, walkers (and cyclists) are forced down smelly, litter-strewn, dark holes at key points around the town. Every passage feels threatening; many are nauseating. And in winter, it all seems doubly awful.

It's no wonder so many people drive to school, work, or out-of-town retail parks; the alternative is too depressing. For those without cars, however, there is no choice. Part of any plan to reduce motor traffic must include making walking about town pleasant, sociable and preferable. When "vibrant new quarters" are being planned for the town, it would be gratifying to learn that the threatening and nauseating old bits are being removed. More nasty pics here.