RESIDENTS have called for “a black ice blackspot” to be gritted after two cyclists fell over in wintry conditions.

Broadlands Way, off Ipswich Road, links up with a cycle path giving a short-cut to Cowdray Avenue, Colchester.

The road slopes down steeply, with a sharp bend at the bottom and Siobhan McGowan saw two teenagers come off their bikes on Friday morning.

One lad had to be taken to Colchester General Hospital by ambulance for treatment to minor injuries.

Mrs McGowan called for the road to be gritted “as a matter of urgency” by Essex County Council.

A spokesman for the county council said priority had to be given to gritting A and B roads.

He added: “We strongly advise road users to exercise extreme caution in icy conditions and not to attempt journeys where their safety or that of others is put at risk.”