MP’s Elmstead Market crossing fight (From Gazette)

MP’s Elmstead Market crossing fight

4:10pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Colchester By Helen Barnett

MP Bernard Jenkin with local councillors Nick Bell, Fred Nicholls, Robin Phillips and John Gray

MP BERNARD Jenkin has joined a village campaign for a pedestrian crossing on a “dangerous’’ road.

Elmstead Market residents fear there will soon be a fatality on a stretch of Colchester Road leading into the village.

They have been pushing for a crossing for 15 years.

Despite the A133 becoming a 30pmh zone as vehicles travel into Elmstead, drivers still speed through the area, say campaigners.

Residents say that is because it is a straight road, with relatively few houses between Colchester and Elmstead.

Elderly residents in Meadow Close retirement complex said they often added an extra half mile to their walk to reach the bus stop on the other side of the road.

They walk to the only crossing, near the Kings Arms pub.

Beth Smith, 77, who lives on Colchester Road, near where a crossing has been suggested, said it was desperately needed.

She said: “It often takes me more than five minutes to cross the road and I am in no way the most vulnerable resident in this area.

“You can’t predict how fast these cars are going, as they enter the village, or speed up to leave.

“There are a lot of elderly people in the area, and a lot of young families are starting to move in.

“The fact nobody has been killed yet doesn’t mean there won’t be a fatality tomorrow. It is dangerous.’’ Mr Jenkin said he would organise a site visit with Essex County Council to discuss ideas.

The MP for Harwich and North Essex said: “When I went to visit members of the parish council about the crossing, traffic was roaring into the village and out again. It is intolerable. Either the county council needs to clamp down on the speed restrictions, or put in a crossing.

“Everyone is worried someone will be fatally hit soon.’’