Calls for vehicle ban along Ironwell Lane in Rochford

Residents living near Ironwell Lane, in Rochford say the road, which is split in half by a dirt path only a metre-and-a-half wide, is dangerous for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Vehicles are still allowed access to the path, originally the old coaching road joining Halkwell and Rochford before the creation of Hall Road in the late 1700s.

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Resident Nick Green has launched a campaign to restrict vehicle access after a car, believed to be stolen by yobs, was wrecked and dumped along the lane in the early hours of the morning.

Too tight for cars - The Ironwell Lane path

“The picturesque lane is used by residents and cyclists alike as well as horses and had a vehicle been travelling at speed during the evening or normal daytime this could have resulted in injury or even a fatality,” he said.

“I often like to go for walks there at night, what if I had been there when those people dumped the car? I could have been killed.”

Dangerous - The dumped vehicle is towed away

Mr Green, 56, is calling for all vehicles to be banned from driving down the lane and for bollards or signage to be put up at either end.

He added: “This is an accident waiting to happen and who wants blood on their hands if an accident did happen?

“The lane is riddled with bends so if you were unlucky enough to be in the wrong place and the wrong time you wouldn't see a collision coming.”

Split - Ironwell Lane is cut in half by the path

Essex County and Rochford councillor Mike Steptoe is backing the campaign to keep vehicles from using the path.

“Ironwell Lane is still technically part of the highway,” he said.

“I think it is classified currently as a byway, but there is a classification called a restricted byway.

"That would restrict its use to cycling, walking and horses, which is what I would like it to become.

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “Suggestions for local safety measures should be raised to the county councillor for the area.

“If they agree with your suggestion, then can raise a request to the Rochford Local Highway Panel for consideration.

“More details about the work of the Rochford Local Highway Panel can be found online by searching for ‘Rochford LHP’.”