A CAMPAIGN group has won a two year battle to reduce the speed limit on a country road after a crash badly injured a rider and caused a horse to be put down.

The Canewdon Equestrians’ campaign will see the speed limit on Lark Hill Road, Rayleigh, reduced from the national speed limit of 60mph to 40mph after Laura Thorogood’s horse Angel was tragically hit by a car.

Laura, 32, of Beach Avenue, Leigh, said: “I’m really happy that we have got the decision and I hope this reduction will make it a safer place and I hope measures will be taken to ensure there are no more near misses or to avoid a similar tragedy like what happened to Angel.”

Laura was riding Angel along when they were hit by a red Fiat 500.

Laura sustained long term injuries to her back and suffered from post traumatic stress disorder as a result of the incident in November 2016.

The process has been difficult for Laura as she campaigned for changes.

She said: “We were saying the same thing over and over again and we just wanted to be listened to.

“It has taken two years to get something we needed, and it could have been more more simple.”

Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford said the decision was a huge “victory” for the group.

He praised their tenacity and perseverance.

In a letter to Claire Lilly, from the Canewdon Equestrians, he said: “You and your colleagues should rightly feel proud of what you have been able to achieve.

“Given everything she has been through, I am especially pleased for Laura.”

The decision will be officially agreed by Essex County Council’s local highways panel in December.