WORRIED villagers fear someone will be killed if road markings are not restored on a busy pedestrian crossing in the middle of their village.

Great Clacton Residents’ Association has hit out at Essex County Council for failing to maintain the crossing in North Road, despite repeated complaints.

Spokeswoman Anne Paulizky told the Gazette that drivers were failing to stop for pedestrians because they could not see the crossing.

“We are desperate to see the painting of the pedestrian crossing on North Road,” she said.

“It is used frequently as it is right outside the Great Clacton Medical Practice, which also has two pharmacies close by, and is near to the bus stop outside the old Somerfield store.

“The paint is almost non-existent and has been for a long time.

“It has been reported to Essex County Council on a number of occasions by councillor Mick Skeels and councillor Mark Stephenson.

“They have been chasing this matter since last July and only at the end of last year did the council agree to give it priority status.”

Mrs Paulizky said the association had been told the work would be completed by the end of January, but it has yet to start.

“I have personally witnessed a number of people on that crossing when vehicles have come racing along without stopping,” she added.

“With hardly any paint on the road surface and beacons up high which are so dirty, it is hard to tell if they are actually working, traffic is not recognising that there is a pedestrian crossing there.

“This is a very serious situation, and one which requires urgent action.”

An Essex Highways spokesman said inspectors would be looking at the crossing next week.

“If their report highlights the problem in the way the residents’ association has described it, then the crossing will be scheduled for repainting,” he said. “However, engineers must ensure that no salt remains on the road, as this prevents the paint bonding to the surface.”