A BUSINESSMAN has slammed Essex Highways for “completely abandoning” his company after one of his staff was killed on the A13.

Andy Mead, director of The Finishing Line, has claimed he has been fighting for changes to the footpath crossing of the major road for three years.

His business is situated on the industrial estate to the south of the road between the Five Bells and Pitsea junctions.

On Wednesday, a woman in her 50s, who worked for Mr Mead’s company, was hit by a car and killed while attempting to cross the road.

Mr Mead declined to name the woman who was killed but paid tribute to her.

Mr Mead said: “She was a friendly, hardworking and valued member of our team. Her family all work with me, and obviously they’re devastated she’s gone. It’s just heart-breaking. Two years ago, another one of my workers was hit on the road. She suffered life changing injuries.”

He added he had been trying to get Highways to put signs up warning drivers or putting in a pedestrian bridge across the road but with no success.

Mr Mead said he had 250 people on his site and, despite running a shuttle bus, some of his workers were still forced to cross the road every day.

He added: “I have been completely left on my own with managing the safety of my own workers. Highways just doesn’t seem to care and now another great employee has been lost.”

A Highways spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this sad time. As with all fatal road incidents, Essex Highways will work closely with our colleagues at Essex Police while they investigate.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further on any potentially related issues until these investigations have taken place.”