A PETITION has been handed to County Hall calling for street lights to be reinstated at a dangerous junction.

Street lights at the top end of St Michael’s Road, Daws Heath, where it meets the A127, were knocked down by a bus about six years ago, plunging the junction into darkness.

They were replaced with solar powered lights which broke down about a month later.

People living in Hadleigh and Daws Heath are worried it is causing a hazard as drivers turn suddenly from the busy A127 into the dark country lane.

Alf Papworth, 77, of Ashdown Crescent, Hadleigh, said: “I have seen accidents where people want to turn into St Michael’s Road, but they don’t see it until they get on top of it. Then they slow down suddenly to turn and the car behind has to swerve or go into them.

“It’s dangerous. We need lights so we don’t get a more serious accident.”

Mr Papworth is a member of Castle Point’s Highways Locality Panel, a group of residents and borough councillors who liaise with Essex County Council over highways issues.

Members of the panel were told in February the street lights would be installed in March, but nothing has happened.

Mr Papworth added: “It needs to be done, it’s such a simple thing.

“This has been a six-year battle and its about time it was put right.”

Mr Papworth handed a 140 signature petition to Castle Point county councillor Colin Riley, who has presented it to the county councillor responsible for transport, Norman Hume.

Mr Riley said: “The petition shows the frustration residents have felt at the fact the solar lights failed to work and the county council failed to get them up-and-running again.

“We all want to be able to see where St Michael’s Road is when travelling in the dark.”

An EDF energy spokeswoman confirmed the company had been in talks with the county council over providing electricity for new signs.

A county council spokesman said plans were in place to carry out improvements to lighting at the junction in September.

He said: “This includes moving the signs to a more prominent position.

“This should make the solar powered lighting more effective.”