A PETITION calling on highways bosses to fix a pothole-damaged road has collected more than 1,700 signatures in a matter of days.

The Harwich Branch Labour Party set up the petition calling for urgent action to improve the “appalling” condition of the A120.

The petition, which will be collected in both written and electronic form, says: “The undersigned call on the Department for Transport to end the delays to the resurfacing of the A120 between Harwich and Horsley Cross as the road surface is in such poor repair that it is resulting in serious damage to vehicles and is placing at risk the safety of those using it.”

It has already collected 1,730 signatures in a matter of days online.

Chairman of Harwich Branch Labour Party, councillor Charlie Powell, said: “We decided residents needed the opportunity to voice their concern and we are not surprised at how quickly people have taken the opportunity to sign on line.

“This petition will add strength to the actions of our local Labour councillors who have been lobbying at all levels for the delays in resurfacing to end.”

The petition was launched after campaigners became frustrated at a lack of action to fix the potholes.

Labour councillor Ivan Henderson has been complaining to Highways England about the condition of the A120 between Harwich and Horsley Cross since plans to resurface the stretch were shelved last year.

The A120 between Wix and Horsley Cross was set to be resurfaced last January, but the work was scrapped due to poor weather.

It was later revealed the work won’t be carried out until 2019/2020.

But despite several letters and emails, Mr Henderson has been told the road is not in a dangerous condition.

He said: “It’s ridiculous.

“How many times do I need to say the words, someone is going to be seriously hurt, there will be a serious accident along there."

Harwich Town Council discussed the latest response sent to them at its full council meeting last week.

The email from Highways England said: “Whilst this stretch of road looks in poor condition, we are happy that these inspections ensure that the road remains in a safe condition and is not dangerous.

“Rest assured that, as previously stated, we inspect our network on a weekly basis, both mechanically and visually.”

The council agreed to write back to Highways England asking to join workers on the next inspection of the road.

A Highways England spokesman said: “Safety is our number one priority and we carry out regular inspections of our road network to ensure they are of a high standard. 

“Where problems are identified, we move to rectify these."

To sign the petition online, visit change.org and search Resurface the A120 between Harwich and Horsley Cross.

A stall will be at Dovercourt market on the first Friday of each month from Friday, April 6, with paper copies of the petition to sign.