A WELL-USED zebra crossing has been blocked off, as the developer installed it without council approval.

The pedestrian crossing was installed in Bourton-on-the-Water in October by the developers who build the new Co-Op.

The crossing, which is well-used by shop users as well as students from the Cotswold School, is now blocked off whilst the council go through the legal process.

It is thought that the crossing will not open until January at the earliest.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: “This crossing was put in by the developer without letting us know, but we’ve put measures in place to stop this happening in future.

“With any changes to the highway there has to be legal consultation process followed. That legal process is ongoing, with a consultation running through until 22nd December, and once it has closed we will go through the feedback.”

The closure of the crossing has led to anger and confusion from Gloucestershire County Councillor for the area, Cllr Paul Hodgkinson.

Cllr Hodgkinson said: "It is crazy to shut it after it has been open since the new Co-Op was opened weeks ago.

"I’ve been told by Highways that the developer who built the new Co-op installed the crossing without notifying the County Council who are now going through the legal process.

"This really is bureaucracy gone mad and people aren’t happy.

"The crossing is on Station Road and is very well used by residents and students from the Cotswold School.

"It seems mad to close an existing crossing and people are still using it despite this.

A Co-Op spokesman was approached for comment.