A BUSY road leading off the A127 could be completely shut off to traffic after a worker was injured in a hit and run.

An 18-week project to replace gas mains is currently underway in The Fairway, the main cut-through to Leigh.

While cars are able to enter the road via one lane off the A127, signs are in place warning drivers not to exit onto the dual carriageway.

These are being routinely ignored by drivers who are mounting pavements to get around barriers- resulting in a National Grid worker being struck by a car yesterday morning.

Tony Cox, Southend councillor responsible for transport, said: “I am very concerned to hear that the National Grid signage is being so flagrantly ignored. We have worked hard with National Grid, local businesses and residents to ensure that we maintain as much access to Eastwood Old Road and other side roads as we can.

“We check the site regularly and all of the signage and diversion routes are clearly marked and set out and to ignore these is a criminal offence.”

Mr Cox added: “Reports of drivers ignoring signs and barriers to mount kerbs and pavements is very concerning because it is dangerous and putting lives at risk.

“If this dangerous driving by the few continues then we will have no choice but to close The Fairway at the junction with the A127 completely, which will affect businesses along Eastwood Old Road.”

The gas worker is understood to have sustained minor injuries.

David Woods 77, of The Fairway, said: “These people are sick. There are bollards there and big notices and they just take them down and carry on.

“The pavements are getting damaged where they are driving on them and someone is going to get badly hurt soon.

“The council needs to do something.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police were contacted shortly before 9.30am on Wednesday with reports of a man struck by a vehicle on The Fairway in Leigh. It was reported that a blue Ford Focus had entered a gas works and struck a man, causing minor injuries.

“The car left the scene. Police are treating the incident as an assault.”

Anyone with information can call officers on 101.