AN accident blackspot will be scrutinised after work to improve the site failed to prevent further crashes.

The Highways Agency recently undertook work costing £200,000 at the A120 junction at Little Bentley.

There have been three further accidents since the work was completed last month.

An independent report into the site will now take place after Harwich and North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin met parish and district councillors.

Neil Stock, leader of Tendring Council, said: “I think it is fair to say there are grave local fears about further accidents at the site and a loss of faith in the Highways Agency.

“Mr Jenkin has met the roads minister to discuss the situation, but now Tendring Council wants to take a lead by commissioning an independent report.”

The work carried out recently included reducing a short stretch of dual carriageway between Horsley Cross and Little Bentley to single carriageway.

There was also widening of the central reservations to improve visibility for drivers waiting to cross the carriageway.

Tendring Council said issues included a lack of signs and concrete areas which have been left covered in plastic cones.

Mr Stock also said there was insufficient room for vehicles to pull out and turn and a possible speed limit reduction to be considered.

He added: “While this is the responsibility of the Highways Agency, Tendring Council takes its community leadership role very seriously.

“It is vital for everyone that we can come up with safety improvements which will reduce the number of accidents at this site.”

Last week a car ended up on a crash barrier after it collided with a lorry at the A120 junction.