CONCERNS have been raised over a potentially dangerous junction after a road was resurfaced.

Factory Lane West, in Halstead, has been given a facelift by Essex Highways.

The road joins Parsonage Street at a mini-roundabout.

Parsonage Street is home to the town’s fire station and is used by parents to reach Richard de Clare Primary School.

But concerns have been raised over the junction’s safety after confusion over signage and painted road markings at the mini-roundabout.

Despite the road being resurfaced, Essex Highways are yet to repaint the road markings which have faded over the years.

Some residents even mistakenly think it has been converted to a T-junction.

One, who asked not to be named, said it was “an accident waiting to happen”.

He claimed confusion had already led to some near misses, with some drivers treating it as a T-junction and others as a mini-roundabout.

He said: “Until recently the junction of Parsonage Street and Factory Lane West was controlled by a mini roundabout.

“This has recently been changed to a T-style, give-way junction which in my opinion is a far better, safer way to control the junction.

“The problem is that some numpty has left the lamp-post-mounted ‘roundabout’ signage up at the junction, both in Parsonage Street and Factory Lane West as you approach the junction in both directions.

“When you combine the fact the surface ‘roundabout’ sign and paint is still visible, albeit faded, the junction is one confusing place to be.

“I have now witnessed several very near misses and it is only a matter of time before a collision happens and someone is potentially hurt.”

Essex Highways have now clarified the situation and say the junction will remain as a mini-roundabout.

A spokesman said: “Factory Lane West in Halstead was recently resurfaced and re-white-lined as part of planned investment in road maintenance.

“The white lines in Parsonage Street marking the roundabout itself have not yet been refreshed but they will be completed shortly.

“The junction with Parsonage Street remains as a mini-roundabout – it has not been converted to a T-junction.

“Existing signs remain in place and should be observed by drivers using the junction.

“If a resident has suggestions for improving safety at any junction, they should get in touch with their local county councillor, who can consider requests via their local highways panel.”