A REPORT detailing how dangerous an “accident blackspot” has become is set to be served to Essex County Council.

Several people have died following collisions in Berechurch Road, Colchester, over the past 20 years, with many more suffering serious injuries.

Concerns have been raised about overgrown vegetation making the road more treacherous and speeding drivers causing a threat to life.

Berechurch councillor Martyn Warnes has now compiled a report for county councillor Dave Harris to review and send to County Hall for consideration.

Gazette: Campaign - Martyn Warnes is calling for further safety measures in Berechurch Road, ColchesterCampaign - Martyn Warnes is calling for further safety measures in Berechurch Road, Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

It is expected Essex County Council will subsequently send engineers to assess the road and decide whether the issue should be taken to its Local Highways Panel.

However, the authority has already set its budget for the next two years, compounding a lengthy wait on any engineers being dispatched.

Mr Warnes said: “Over the years there has been a number of attempts by residents and councillors to get this addressed by the highways authority and nothing has happened.

“The issue is going to need a deeper dive than just putting wires in the road and measuring the speeds.

Gazette: Concerned - Martyn Warnes in Berechurch RoadConcerned - Martyn Warnes in Berechurch Road (Image: Newsquest)

“It is not a quick process but somebody has to start somewhere. We need to act now as delay costs lives.”

In May 2005, Leisure World lifeguard Deborah Riches was killed when she was struck by a sports car being driven by former model Julie Hunter in Berechurch Road.

And more recently in August 2020, thrill-seeking driver Ben Dykes, 28, left a jogger fighting for his life after crashing into him moments after speeding at 95mph.

Dykes, of Bradford Drive, Colchester, was jailed for more than two years.

Gazette: Jailed - thrill-seeking driver Ben Dykes left a man with life-threatening injuries during a crash in Berechurch RoadJailed - thrill-seeking driver Ben Dykes left a man with life-threatening injuries during a crash in Berechurch Road (Image: Essex Police)

Earlier this month a woman was taken to hospital after a collision at the road’s junction with Nancy Smith Close.

In his report, Mr Warnes said Berechurch Road “needs a combination” of physical safety measures, such as mini roundabouts, and carriageway markings.

Mr Harris said he hopes the professionals will listen to concerns being raised.

“We will get the engineers out to assess and decide about it, then hopefully it will be taken to the highways panel,” he added.