HUNDREDS of concerned residents have signed a petition calling for pedestrian safety on a "dangerous road" to be improved. 

A new petition is fighting to make the connecting road between Layer de la Haye to Birch safer for non-drivers. 

The petition gained a lot of support within the first 24 hours, with 220 signatures submitted the next day. 

Lucy White, who started the petition online, said: “As a local resident and a frequent road user, every journey I make on Birch Road leaves me with fear.  

“This road is a narrow, national speed limit road with blind bends that make safe overtaking of horses, cyclists, or pedestrians nearly impossible. 

“I've had many near misses; a thought that haunts me and many fellow travellers who use this road to link up to surrounding villages.” 

Residents’ worries are amplified by the development of a huge solar farm Ms White said. 

With the petition, residents also hope to encourage more people to use more environmentally friendly modes of transportation, once it is safe to do so. 

Ms White said: “By linking Layer de la Haye to Birch, we would be establishing a secure pathway for vulnerable road users, distancing them from the risk of fast cars and blind bends.

“This pathway also forms part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, extending the benefit even further. 

“Let's turn this frightening road into a haven for all users while giving back to the community affected by the solar farm development." 

The petition also includes a request for a multi-user off-road route to be included with the solar farm development. 

Colchester Council approved the plans for the solar farm between Hardy’s Green, Easthorpe and Copford in 2023, despite strong objections from residents. 

Birch Parish Council deemed the plans a “major health, safety and environmental risk”, referring to reports about battery fires and explosions related to lithium-ion batteries. 

Residents can support the petition, which needs 500 signatures to progress, on change.org