Push for action on 'dangerous' road after boy dies

More than 800 people have signed a petition urging Essex Highways to make Mersea Road, Colchester, safer

Hundreds of people have signed a petition urging highways bosses to make a "dangerous" road safer after a 13-year-old boy died.

The petition was set up after Taylen Ireton was fatally struck by a car on Mersea Road, Colchester, on Saturday night.

Its organiser warned the section of road, where the speed limit is 30mph (48km/h), would continue to be a danger if Essex Highways did not introduce traffic-slowing measures.

The authority said it would complete a full investigation to find any highway-related factors, including a review of collision data from the past 10 years.

Remedial measures could be put forward for consideration "if clear patterns or trends are found", it continued.

The petition's organiser, Lauren Simonds, said safety along Mersea Road had always been discussed by her neighbours since she moved to the area five years ago.

"It would be great to have some speed bumps or a safe crossing there," she said.

The speed limit increases to 40mph (64km/h) about 100m (328ft) away from the Cherry Tree pub, where Taylen had left a private party just before the collision.

A housing estate and primary school are also nearby.

Tributes were left outside the Cherry Tree pub after the fatal collision

More than 800 people backed Ms Simonds' campaign within the first three days of it being shared online, including Dave Harris, who represents the area on Essex County Council.

Mr Harris told the BBC he would hand the petition in at the next full council meeting.

He said he had previously asked for the increased speed limit to be moved further along the road and for a pedestrian crossing to be installed.

"I am going to ask the county council to consider those suggestions again," Labour councillor Mr Harris added.

He extended his sympathies to Taylen's family.

Three men who were arrested in connection with Taylen's death were released on bail until 4 December, Essex Police said on Tuesday.

Essex Highways said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this young boy following his tragic death."

Taylen Ireton played football for Wivenhoe Town Football Club's under-14s side