REMOVING railings along Canvey seafront has put lives in danger, a worried islander has claimed.

Shirley Angel, 72, branded Eastern Esplanade "a death-trap" after she narrowly missed hitting a group of young cyclists, who rode down a bank and in front of her car.

Old railings beside the pavement were taken down in July following concerns from councillors and some residents they were unsafe and unsightly.

Miss Angel, of Kenmore Close, Canvey, wants them back, saying the current situation is even more dangerous.

She said: "I was driving round from the Monico, when, out of the blue, three young boys on bikes came off the sea wall and across the road. I braked, but it shook me up a bit.

"I'd like to see the railings put back. They mustn't wait until someone's been killed.

"Also, the railings used to stop dogs running into the road."

She added: "Come winter, if we get snow, the children could get their sledges out and slide straight into the road."

Castle Point councillor Joan Liddiard was one of those pushing to get rid of the railings, but now accepts the move may have created a new danger.

She said: "In an ideal world, it would be nice to see them replaced and maintained, but council funds are short.

"As far as I am aware, there are no plans to have them put back at present.

"Most people were glad they'd been removed, because they were an eyesore and a hidden danger.

"Kids should know they shouldn't come down the sea wall into traffic and most dogs, if they are not kept on leads, are trained to respond to commands. It's a matter of common sense."