A FIGHT to improve a dangerous junction has taken a big step forward after a petition from residents.

Calls to change the notorious “accident blackspot” at the Coggeshall exit of the A120 have been backed by Braintree Council.

Councillors voted unanimously to back a campaign to improve safety at the A120/B1024 Colne Road junction after 2,377 residents in Earls Colne and Coggeshall signed a petition.

The council agreed to meet Highways Agency staff to assess the problem.

It is believed to be the biggest petition on the issue presented to the council, and was the first to automatically trigger a debate under new rules to give more weight to petitions with 1,000 signatures or more.

Coggeshall resident John Lewis, who presented it at Monday’s council meeting, said: “This road junction is notorious.

“The Highways Agency has statistics for serious accidents and injuries, but sadly nobody knows the total of other accidents there, and now half the families in Earls Colne and Coggeshall have their own private horror stories.

“This petition was drawn up rather emotionally, but after mature thought, we are really trying to be helpful.

“We don’t feel traffic lights or big roundabouts are necessary.”

Mr Lewis suggested a 40mph limit on the A120 from the Ambridge Road junction to where the Essex Way walking route crosses it.

He also suggested repainting the road markings at the Colne Road junction to improve the view for turning and crossing traffic.

Coggeshall district councillor Lady Newton said: “When this junction opened in the early Eighties there was an accident within weeks.

“It was obvious to everyone the design was deeply flawed. I have calls from constituents traumatised by accidents they have witnessed and pleading for something to be done.

“There are times when the residents of Coggeshall are trapped in their village and have to go on long detours.”

Deputy council leader Chris Siddall said it was a “horrendous junction” and the answer was to dual the A120. “You literally have to take your life in your hands to get across,” he said.

“We urgently need to do something about it.”

Nigel Harley, cabinet member for enterprise and infrastructure, said the council’s cabinet planned to meet highways officers shortly to discuss the junction. He added: “I think the fact I will be armed with a petition will be an excellent demonstration of people’s concern.”