Calls for action have been made after lorries passing through Halstead were branded an “accident waiting to happen”.

Halstead Town Council fears people living on Head Street are being put at risk by HGVs which have to mount the pavement to get along the narrow road.

It had been suggested a working group be set up to seek change to the strategic lorry routes which directs traffic straight through Halstead.

But during a meeting on Monday, town councillors admitted they would not be able to alter lorry routes and a solution was needed while discussions on the long-awaited Halstead bypass continue.

Town mayor Andrew Munday said: “I appreciate lorries want to get from A to B as quickly as possible but that doesn’t help the town council when residents living on Head Street are at risk of being injured.

“We can’t wait for a number of years for progress on the bypass, the town council has an obligation to do something now.”

Councillor Jackie Pell added: “I think we need to write to Highways to voice these concerns and ask them to come up with a short term solution.

“You can’t change strategic routes and until the bypass is in place we are stuck with the problem.

“We don’t need to waste time having a working group. We need to go straight to the horse’s mouth and sort it out.

“The council doesn’t have the resources or expertise to solve it so we must take it to Highways.”

Suggestions on how to tackle the issue, including putting up bollards or new signage, were put forward during the meeting.

However, Highways bosses have dismissed suggestions bollards would help improve pedestrian safety along Head Street.

Essex County Councillor Kevin Bentley, responsible for infrastructure, said another alternative was needed.

He said: “Head Street does narrow towards the top of the hill, and drivers, particularly of wide vehicles must take care in navigating what is a narrow road between the houses.

“A bollard is not the answer here as the pavement is not wide enough then to also allow wheelchair access.

“The best way for residents to ensure that all options are considered is to take the matter to your County Councillor to involve the Braintree Local Highway Panel.”

The town council agreed a letter should be written to Highways to begin tackling the issue.