Anxious residents around Brentwood's Weald Park Way have demanded cuts in the speed limit after traffic accidents in the area.

The call came as William Pawsey, a 74-year-old local man, fought for his life in Oldchurch Hospital after suffering extensive chest, leg and head injuries in a collision with a car while walking his dog near the footbridge on Boxing Day. He remains in hospital, where he is said to be 'comfortable'.

The latest in a series of accidents in recent months, has provoked local people to demand that the 60mph speed limit be slashed to deter rat-running motorists, even though police have confirmed that speeding was not involved in this latest case.

Local resident Philip Manby said: "I have been warning for about four years now that something was going to happen and asking for the speed limit to be cut, but its like I am hitting my head against a brick wall.

"It just gets worse daily. There's going to be deaths unless something is done."

But Brentwood Borough Council has taken the concerns of local people on board and has agreed a major reduction in the speeds permitted along Weald Park Way.

Dave Marchant, the council's deputy chief executive and director of technical and contract services, explained: "As a result of a complaint from residents some while ago, the council has considered this problem and has agreed to take steps towards implementing a 40 mph speed limit and is talking with the police to get support."

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