CHRIS Vince, Member of Parliament for Harlow and the villages, has condemned Essex County Council for its failure to address longstanding safety concerns on Sheering Road (B183).

Local residents have described the road as “like a racetrack”, citing persistent speeding and unsafe and poorly maintained footpaths.

Parents have expressed serious concerns for children walking to school, while others report being forced into the carriageway due to the condition of the pavement.

After personally walking the route, Chris Vince MP described the situation as unacceptable and warned that urgent preventative action is needed to avoid a serious accident.

In their most recent response, The MP said the Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport stated:

Unfortunately, there is nothing more to add from a road safety perspective. With regards to the footpath, I understand the concerns about the overgrown footway vegetation defects in this area. Unfortunately, this issue is not considered a high priority at this time.”

Chris Vince MP has strongly criticised this stance, arguing that waiting for further serious incidents before taking action is an unacceptable approach to community safety.

Chris Vince MP said:“Road safety cannot be treated as an afterthought. Residents are telling us, clearly and consistently, that they do not feel safe walking along Sheering Road.

I have repeatedly requested a meeting with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Highways to agree urgent next steps and to push for Sheering Road to be reclassified as a priority for safety intervention. To date, these requests have gone unanswered.”