PLANS for a pedestrian crossing to serve a nursery and businesses have been shelved, sparking fury among those living and working nearby.

The planned crossing, in Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh, next to Lubards Farm, was approved in July and money for the project was allocated.

However, the scheme has now been pulled by Essex County Council highways officers – because there are no pavements on either side of the road leading up to the proposed site.

The area is home to Happy Days Nursery, Swimming Tales swimming pool, the Clay Cottage and the Fungi Fitness gym, among others.

Chris Black, Lib Dem Rochford councillor for the area, said: “The people making the decision don’t seem to knowwhat’s there. I’m really annoyed and disappointed about it.

“A crossing would get used. Last time we had a petition there were 230 names, and people were taking them out of my hands.

“Locals really want this crossing. I had somebody crying about it the other day, they were so upset. This is wanted.”

The county council said a pedestrian and vehicle movements survey last year showed there was no need for a crossing.

Mr Black said the survey had been carried out in the winter months when it was icy and was not a true reflection of the number of people who used the site.

A petition is now being set up again to campaign for the crossing before a highways meeting next month.

A county council spokesman said: “Due to the demand from the local highways panel, the county council looked into the possibility of introducing a crossing, but it was deemed unsuitable and unsafe due to there being no existing footway on one side of the carriageway.

“The county council is investigating the possibility of introducing a footway, which would allow the proposal of a pedestrian crossing at this location to be revisited.”