Children are being put in danger on their way to school due to a dam- aged footpath, it is claimed.

Flooding caused damage to the footpath in Maldon Road, Witham, in August.

Essex Highways closed off the path but has done nothing to fix it.

Bob Ward, of Maldon Road, walks his two grandchildren to Howbridge Infant and Junior Schools every day, and fears their safety is being put at risk.

Mr Ward reported the damage to Essex County Council’ s highways department.

He said: “I assumed due to the damage and it was still the school holi- days that they would crack on with the repair .

“However, nothing happened for a month so I contacted our county councillor, Derrick Louis, who duly came out and had a look and agreed with me it needed some urgent action.

“Another parent has contacted the council only to be told it is in a queue of work and in any case you can cross the road to avoid the footpath closure .”

Mr Ward fears crossing the road presents an even more dangerous issue for young children, given the speed and amount of traffic .

Mr Ward added: “Maldon Road along here has a 40mph speed lim- it and most vehicles drive along at that speed.

It is also a very busy road being the connection to Maldon and surrounding villages .

“If anyone would like to try and cross the road in the rush hour then they are braver than me.”

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “This damage to the pavement was made safe with barriers in August and is now scheduled for permanent repair as soon as possible .”

No date was given.