A PETITION containing more than 1,500 names has been submitted to Essex County Council asking for more safety measures following the death of a 13-year-old boy in Colchester.

Taylen Ireton died after being involved in a collision with a car in Mersea Road on Saturday, September 21.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after the collision at around 9.20pm close to the Cherry Tree pub.

Taylen was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries.

An online petition was launched following the tragedy, arguing if Mersea Road in Colchester “is left without some basic safety precautions it continues to be a danger to our community.”

Berechurch councillor Dave Harris, who has previously had applications to have safety measures put in place in 2019 and 2022 denied, brought the issue to Essex County Council’s full council meeting.

He said: “1,600 people are asking for something that has lately been in the highways panel to try and create some road safety.

“The petition calls on highways to do something there to improve safety.”

Cabinet member for highways at Essex County Council Tom Cunningham said it is looking into the issue.

“Can I give him the assurance of our complete attention in terms of looking what we can do to help solve the problems in that area,” he said.

The petition was started by Shrub End resident Lauren Simonds and has attracted about 1,600 signatures to date.

It described Mersea Road coming into Blackheath past the Berechurch Hall Road roundabout heading towards West Mersea as “particularly dangerous”.

It said: “There are no traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, speed bumps or any other measures to reduce speed or protect pedestrians.”

“Many cats and dogs have been hit along this road and most recently the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy has devastated and heartbroken the community.

“If this road is left without some basic safety precautions, it continues to be a danger to our community.”