A dangerous junction will be redesigned to help improve driver visibility when turning.

Essex County Council will spend £28,000 on moving the pavement at the junction of Clifton Avenue and High Road, Benfleet.

Drivers turning into High Road have their view blocked by trees and a boundary wall belonging to a home on the corner of the two roads.

Alan Bayley, county councillor for South Benfleet, said: “Cars come along and the problem is, they can’t see along the road.

“They will nudge out and then the next moment, wallop, there is a crash.”

The project will see the pavement on the near side of High Road extended to allow drivers more space when turning, while the pavement on the opposite side will be narrowed.

Ukip councillor Mr Bayley had proposed an alternative scheme for the council to buy part of the garden where trees and walls block driver vision.

He claims ruling Tories have failed to explore the suggestion, which he believes would be cheaper and safer.

Mr Bayley said: “I suggested approaching the homeowners to release 1m of the garden and take away the wall.

“I feel they don’t like a Ukip councillor coming up with a cheaper scheme than they thought about.”

Mr Bayley also fears there will be gridlock in Benfleet while the work is carried out.

Highways bosses confirmed the scheme had started last Thursday, but had to be suspended to allow repairs to a leaking gas main discovered nearby. Work is due to restart on February 23 and finish on March 16.

Eddie Johnson, county councillor responsible for highways maintenance, said: “The request to look at alternative arrangements was received when works were imminent and unanimously approved through the local highways panel.

“The scheme was discussed with officers, which demonstrated it was fully validated based upon proven techniques to improve road safety measures and target casualty reduction.

“There is insufficient evidence to suggest the proposals put forward would satisfy the criteria of Essex county policy.

“As the works were imminent, abortive costs would be payable by the council.

“Given the reason for the scheme was to reduce casualties, it was decided to proceed.”