PROGRESS on a long-awaited zebra crossing for Burnham has been halted after its estimated cost nearly trebled.

Essex Highways had initially said the crossing for Church Road, near Ormiston Rivers Academy, would cost £45,000.

Work was expected to get under way imminently after windfarm company RES pledged to fund it as part of its contributions from its Turncole development.

However, the company has now been told the estimated cost is £121,795. It is understood RES has paused the project to see if extra cash has been identified.

Campaigner Lisa Drury, 38, of Glebe Way, Burnham, said: “This is extremely shocking, £121,000 is a staggering amount of money and I cannot see how it can be justified.

“Essex Highways has previously said that this crossing is needed, but if they can’t provide the funds then it makes no sense whatsoever.

“This crossing is for young people’s safety, but now it seems like we’ll never get one.”

Wendy Stamp, of Burnham Town Council, said: “I find this whole saga incredible, both the cost and how long it has taken. I think the public deserve to know a breakdown of this cost and what it will entail, as the plans are still quite vague.”

A Highways spokesman said: “Since the initial estimate for this crossing, designers have completed a full investigation and design which has resulted in recognition of the need for additional engineering elements due to the location.

“We are working with RES as we investigate the options available.”