FURIOUS residents have slammed a council for not taking responsibility for historic railings damaged in a car crash.

The railings on Market Hill were left beyond repair after a car smashed into them last month.

Lampposts, which were also damaged in the crash, have yet to be repaired.

Residents worry the lack of railings makes them vulnerable should another accident happen.

Carol Eden, of Market Hill, said: “We are really worried given the devastation that was out there last time.

“The only thing the council has done is put up those blue barriers which are to stop people falling off the pavement.

“That’s not going to stop a car. If a car went off again like they have before it would be in the houses before it had a chance to stop.

“They do seem to be working to try and find out who the land belongs to, but something needs to be done now.

“I don’t understand why they wouldn’t sign off on it. It is about safety at the end of the day.”

Nick Fenwick, Maldon District Council director of Planning & Regulatory Services, said: “Council officers are aware of the situation and are anxious the historic railings are reinstated on Market Hill, Maldon, as soon as possible.

“The council is in dialogue with the relevant insurance companies and they advise that the railings will be appropriately reinstated in due course.”

There have been similar issues in repairing the lampposts that were also damaged in the incident.

“The two lampposts, they are still broken,” said Carol.

“They aren’t working. As if the road wasn’t dangerous enough already.”

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “The work to repair damaged street lights on Market Hill can only be done outside daytime working hours to avoid disrupting traffic flow.

“Work to repair these lights is scheduled in the near future.”