SOUTHEND United striker Freddy Eastwood was spotted horsing about on a busy road with a pony and trap.

Freddy, a well-known member of the traveller community, spent up to an hour riding up and down the Manorway, Corringham, along with a young boy. He had set up the buggies on a layby before entering the road.

Other travellers drove a lorry behind the pair to block one side of the road to traffic and allow the star footballer - who had the day off from training - to give his horses a workout.

A number of tankers and cars were forced to slow down, as they were held up by the buggy drivers, who happily ignored road rules.

According to residents in the area, this was not an isolated incident.

Pony and trap rides, a traditional part of the traveller lifestyle, are said to happen almost weekly along the dual-carriageway.

But Freddy seemed unfazed by the tailbacks he was causing yesterday, keeping a steady pace as he and the boy enjoyed the morning outing.

The practice has raised the ire of some drivers and residents, but their complaints seem to have had little effect on police.

Insp Mark Wheeler, of Tilbury station, said: "We have been looking at this, but to date, have not made any arrests.

"With 4,500 crimes in the area a year, I think the residents would rather that we concentrate on solving burglaries, thefts and crimes of disorder."

The police view was not shared by one woman, who says she nearly collided with the buggy drivers as she turned out of Giffords Cross Road yesterday.

The driver, who asked not to be named, said: "I had a green light so I went through, intending to turn right. Suddenly, a pony and trap went right through a red light.

"I slammed on the brakes and just avoided him. There could have been a fatal accident."

A lorry driver who often uses the Manorway said the buggies were a familiar sight.

He said: "I use this road all the time and I see the travellers regularly.

"They go at a fair pace. One day there is going to be an accident."

Iain Harrison, Tory councillor for Corringham and Fobbing, accused police of being afraid to tackle the problem, because it involved travellers.

He said: "I believe the police know exactly where these people are from and are scared to deal with them."

When the Echo turned up to Freddy Eastwood's mobile home in Cranfield Close, Wickford, the footballer was nowhere to be seen.

Just one horse was in the stables and there were several empty stalls.

Freddy has previously been spotted by Blues fans riding his pony and trap along the A127 near his home.

The player has not spoken to the media since the Echo broke a story about a planning inquiry into his traveller site home, which resulted in temporary permission being granted.