A CONCERNED father is campaigning for lights at a zebra crossing, after near misses which scared his young daughter and frightened him and his wife.

Lewis and Frances Bennet use the Trinity Street zebra crossing outside Halstead police station regularly and have seen many cars “plough on” when they should stop.

Mrs Bennet, 26, and the couple’s son Miles were almost run over there a year ago, and the family have had several near misses since then.

Their daughter Bella, eight, goes to Holy Trinity School and the Bennets have to cross the road from their home in Windmill Road for school, brownies, and the town centre.

When the worst accident happened Mr Bennet, a chef at the Bulmer Fox restaurant, was approaching the crossing behind his wife who was pushing a buggy carrying Miles, now two. An Essex County Council spokesman said: "This zebra crossing is on a programme of works for refurbishment in the near future when we will be looking to install illuminated posts to increase awareness of motorists and pedestrians. The location is not suitable for a controlled crossing due to its location and other issues. In the meantime we have sent out an inspection team to inspect the signage for the crossing and deal with any overhanging vegetation. There has been one accident involving a pedestrian in the past five years and no serious accidents or fatalities."