THESE shocking pictures show how ten cars have crashed at a Wickford accident blackspot in 18 months.

An anxious family are urging for speed restrictions to be brought in outside their house, following the ten serious car crashes.

The Pinnock family, who live in Runwell Road, Wickford, fear someone will be killed unless something is done to calm the traffic along the stretch of road between the old Runwell Hospital site and the Toby Carvery.

Councillors say highways engineers will be looking at changing the layout of the road as part of the redevelopment of the Runwell Hospital site.

Last week two people were taken to hospital, one with serious injuries, following a head-on smash on the same stretch of road.

Alison Pinnock, 47, said: “There have been ten accidents on this stretch of road, in the past 18 months.

“A number of them have ended up with cars crashing in to our garden.

“Between December and January there were nine accidents after cars skidded on ice caused by a leaking pipe.

“We have written to the council a number of times about the problems here.

“We want to to see the speed limit reduced from 60mph to 40mph or 30mph. People are just driving along here too quick.

“We are frightened it is just a matter of time before someone is killed.”

Malcolm Buckley, Basildon Council member for regeneration said Chelmsford City Council, Basildon Council and Essex County Council were considering a number of different options for the road layout in Runwell Road, as part of the plans for the redevelopment of the Runwell Hospital site.

He said: “There has been a proposal to for the entry to the site to be moved down the hill, from the Toby Carvery.

“We are also considering weight restrictions on Runwell Road to discourage people from using it as a cut through between the Rettendon Turnpike and Wickford.

“Changes to the speed limit would be part of the considerations by highways engineers.”

Councillor Ray Ride, who represents Runwell, said he was aware of the problems in Runwell Road and was working with councillors at Basildon and County Hall.

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He said: “It is a dangerous spot with a record of accidents all affecting the Pinnock’s home.

“Within the redevelopment of the Runwell Hospital site, which is imminent, road improvements will go in.

“Those might well assist my view that there should be further protection for the Pinnock family and their neighbours.

“We are looking at what options are available.”

**Candidates standing for election in Wickford Castledon ward are Alan Ball (Ukip), Malcolm Buckley (Con) and Andrew Buxton (Lab).

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