VILLAGERS have come together to ask highways bosses for help following ongoing fears over speeding.

Concerned residents in Earls Colne held a community meeting to discuss the problems.

Ideas included roadside protests organised by resident Julie Cass and the formation of a community Speed Watch group.

Some residents also launched a petition, with Essex county councillor for the Halstead division Chris Siddall presenting it at a meeting on Tuesday, December 13.

At the meeting, Mr Siddall said the road had seen a number of accidents.

“Just over a year ago a lady was hit by a motorcycle on the zebra crossing in Earls Colne and suffered serious injuries,” he said.

“Earlier this year a man crossing the zebra crossing was hit by a car and required first aid. The shopkeepers of Earls Colne will witness almost daily near misses on this crossing.

“Ten weeks ago, an elderly gentleman, Derek Danby, was hit and crushed by a lorry on a zebra crossing in Earls Colne while crossing on his mobility scooter.

“I’m not going to comment specifically on Derek’s terrible accident because my understanding is it’s still under police investigation and it would be quite wrong to comment.”

“But I’m sure you will all be delighted to hear Derek has finally made it home from hospital, and I know all members like me will be delighted to hear he’s back with his family for Christmas. We wish him well.”

Lee Scott, Essex county councillor responsible for highways, said: “We put safety paramount and we will look into this on presentation of the petition and work to try and resolve this problem.”

The petition, which has more than 700 signatures and also has the support of Braintree MP James Cleverly, calls for a number of measures.

These include increased signage, repainting of road lines, LED halos around traffic beacons and making the area a 20mph zone.

Resident Del Thomas, said: “The fact 714 people have signed the petition shows the strength of feeling in the community.

“We have had enough and something needs to be done.

"We are coming together as a community to ask for help from Essex County Council, and I hope they listen to its residents.”