Frightened parents are backing a growing campaign for a safe crossing on a Moulsham road after a 10-year-old schoolgirl was hit by a car.

More than 50 worried parents, pupils and community leaders gathered at the junction of Linnet Drive and Plane Tree Close on Tuesday to call on Essex County Council to install a zebra crossing.

Later today a Chelmsford county councillor will report to the authority's Highways Policy Group about a demonstration close to where Jessica Smith was knocked down while playing near the road.

The junction opposite Jessica's home, faces a footpath which is used as a cut-through to Mildmay Junior School to the south and Moulsham Primary and High Schools to the north.

Both roads regularly have cars parked on both sides of the road during the school rush hour, obscuring the view for drivers and pedestrians.

Mildmay pupil Jessica was involved in a collision with a car at 8.30am last Thursday as her mother Julie looked on in horror.

"She was thrown in the air like a rag doll," said Mrs Smith. "I thought she was dead, it was so horrific to see. I have been waiting for this to happen but I never thought it would be my child."

Jessica was taken to Broomfield Hospital and was discharged on Tuesday following treatment for concussion.

Almost 70 people have now joined the campaign for a crossing.

Chelmsford borough councillor Freda Mountain has inquired about Safer Journeys to School funding and requested an audit is carried out in the area.

Chelmsford Central county councillor Keith Francis pledged to put the residents' views to county highways chief Rodney Bass at today's meeting.