WORK is finally set to start on a much-needed zebra crossing after a five year battle.

Parents, pupils, teachers and councillors launched a bid to see a crossing installed outside Janet Duke Primary School, in Markhams Chase, Laindon, in 2011 because of concerns about speeding drivers and illegally parked cars.

Essex County Council's local highways panel finally set aside money for the project two years later, but work has failed to progress.

The crossing was originally meant to be in place for April 2014.

County Hall has nowconfirmed work should finally begin during the summer holidays.

Mark Ellis, Ukip county councillor for Laindon Park and Fryerns, said: “I’ve had a meeting with the headteacher and it is definitely going ahead.

“The school needs a crossing as soon as possible, it’s taken me years so far.”

Robert Squibbs, 40, whose two children go to Janet Duke, added: “It’s so dangerous down there.

I’ve seen people taken out by cars several times.

“Cars park so close to each other, it’s chaos down there.

Highways bosses want to see the crossing in place in time for the new school term in September.

A consultation is currently under way, meaning if any objections are lodged before Sunday, July 19, the project could face further delays.

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “The work to install the new zebra crossing on Markhams Chase is subject to a formal consultation. If no objections are lodged, it is expected the work will begin during the school summer holidays and be completed as soon as the power supply is connected.

“We hope scheduling the works for the school holidays will also enable road maintenance work to be carried out at the same time, minimising disruption to residents, parents and teachers."