Crossing comes too late

From the archive, first published Sunday 1st Apr 2007.

A LONG-overdue crossing on a busy road is nearing completion, just days after a fatal accident along the same stretch.

Residents and traders have campaigned for more than a year for a zebra crossing to be installed close to Benfleet Police Station, in High Road, to make the route safer for pedestrians.

However, Essex County Council is only now putting the finishing touches to the crossing.

Many who feared the road was too dangerous were shocked to hear it had claimed a young Benfleet man's life this week.

Rob Mattacks, 26, a dedicated volunteer and youth counsellor, died after being hit by a car close to the Brook Road junction with the High Road in the early hours of Monday.

Work to build the crossing finally began at the end of February this year, but is not expected to be finished for another few weeks.