Warley Councillors raise safety concerns from residents following road traffic accident

Warley Councillors, Jay Laplain, Martin Cuthbert, and Mark Haigh have spoken out in response to resident concerns, following a recent road traffic accident near King George’s Playing Fields at Hartswood Road. 

The three Councillors said: "While the circumstances of the accident remain under investigation, it is clear there is community concern over speeding, which we are keen to address with Essex Highways, local schools, the Police, and Safer Essex"

Residents have raised urgent concerns about ongoing and serious safety risks on Hartswood Road, with neighbours saying they are extremely worried.

Councillor Jay Laplain explains: “As former Councillors for the area, prior to 2024 boundary changes, we know that area can be congested, particularly at school times and at weekends when King George’s Playing Fields and attract heavy traffic.”

Councillor Cuthbert added Warley residents using the area, whether as commuters, or mums on the school run, were concerned, given the road traffic history of the road, with potential and actual collisions, and a previous fatality some years ago.

All three Councillors called upon the Leader of the Council, Councillor Barry Aspinell, to write to Essex County Council, raising their concerns, including Brentwood South Division Councillor Andy Wiles, who recently returned to work following an extended period of absence through long-term illness.

Councillor Aspinell, who is also a County Councillor, said: “Many residents believe the current situation is unsafe and poses a serious risk to the community.”

“I will write to the relevant Cabinet member, Councillor Tom Cunningham, Councillor Wiles and ward councillors.

“Residents strongly feel that effective safety measures must be introduced without delay that mitigate this risk and keep residents safe.”