The deteriorating state of a busy road is putting drivers in danger, a resident has claimed.

Bob Smith has been embroiled in a battle with Essex Highways to get repair works done to a stretch of Braintree Road, Cressing, near Wyevale Garden Centre.

According to Mr Smith, the road’s condition has got so bad that drivers and their vehicles are being put at risk.

The Rose Hill, Braintree, resident also said no maintenance had been completed on the corner in question for about 20 years.

“It is getting worse and more traffic uses it now than ever,” he said.

“The kerb has totally disintegrated and it floods meaning you can only use one side of the road.

“It is very dangerous, you cannot get around the corner if it floods. The water goes all the way across to the middle of the road.”

Despite his protestations, Mr Smith says he was told by Highways there are no immediate plans to resurface the road, with a land dispute meaning there were problems with access.

Mr Smith said: “The surface is awful, the kerb is crumbling yet they do not seem to be doing anything.

“I have been told there is a problem with the land ownership of the land next to it.

“They told me there are no plans for any works to sort it in the foreseeable future.”

The strip of road is heavily used by heavy goods vehicles and commuters as it is on the main route between Braintree and Witham and is also near to Freeport Braintree.

Essex County Councillor Robert Mitchell (Conservative, Braintree East) said he was working with Mr Smith and Essex Highways to find a solution, which it is hoped could be found soon.

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said the agency had already completed some works in the area and a blocked drain ad been logged for repair.

The spokesman said: "Our engineers fixed potholes and other defects on the road on January 4 and January 18 on a bend before the Chevron signs towards Deans, then on January 26 on the bend after Wyevale roundabout.

"Work is scheduled for February 9 on the bend after the UK Power Networks turn-in.”