A FURIOUS resident has raised serious safety fears after overgrown trees have been blocking the view of drivers visiting a cemetery.

The 63-year-old resident from Pitsea, who wished to remain anonymous, said it is only a matter of time until there is a crash.

It is causing problems for the entrance to the Bowers Gifford Crematorium and Cemetery which shares the site with Pitsea Cemetery, in Old Church Road, Bowers Gifford.

She said: “The highways department has put in all these trees and now the trees have grown so large you can’t see when driving out of the cemetery. I’ve been speaking with the cemetery but they say they can’t deal with it and the trees must be cut by the highways department.

“Apparently lots of other people who visit the cemetery have also reported it.

“Because of how overgrown it is down there, you have to drive in the middle of the road.

“It is a very small narrow road and it is very dangerous there.

“The overgrown trees have created a blind spot and if you are driving you can’t see what is coming towards you.

“There could be a crash there.

“My car has been scratched by the overgrown trees but luckily it didn’t need any work doing to it.

“Something needs to be done very soon about this.”

Victoria Crabb, manager of the Bowers Gifford Crematorium and Cemetery said they have reported the issue to the county council.

She said: “It is paramount to us that our visitors are safe when arriving and leaving the site.

“We do not want this to hinder anyone visiting us.

“It difficult for us as it is not our responsibility.”

Andy Ansell, Labour councillor for Pitsea South East urged residents to speak with him so that he can report it to the highways department.

He said he has reported overgrown trees in the London Road, Pitsea area.

The hedge is the responsibility of Basildon Council and works are carried out by a contractor.

A Basildon Council spokesperson said: “The hedge line in question is included within our borough-wide grounds maintenance programme, which is delivered by our contractor idverde.

“It is scheduled to be pruned next week.”