VILLAGERS have been left angry that plans to cut the speed limit on a “dangerous” road where a pensioner was killed have been stalled following a single objection... from the police.

Road safety campaigners called for the speed limit to be reduced from 40mph to 30mph in Clacton Road, Weeley, outside St Andrew’s Primary School.

The move followed the death of pedestrian Ruth Smith, 82, who died after being hit by a speeding driver in January 2012.

The school’s parent teacher association, governors and the parish council collected more than 800 names on a petition calling for the speed limit to be reduced.

Parish council vice-chairman Peter Dumsday said: “Following extensive efforts a notification of a proposed 30mph speed limit went out to consultation in January.

“But on February 21, the parish was notified of a single objection, which turned out to be from Essex Police.

“This has resulted in the implementation of the scheme having to be reconsidered by the county council and will not be forthcoming this financial year.

“If it goes ahead, money must now be found from the 2014/15 budget. To say the people of Weeley are disappointed is putting it mildly.

“It is extremely frustrating that only the police object to a 30mph speed limit past a school.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Officers from the Essex Police casualty reduction section object to the proposal as it was felt the speed limit would not be appropriate or compatible to the location.

“The county council can still go ahead with their original plans despite the Essex Police objection, but following a lengthy site meeting with a county council officer on Friday an alternative proposal is being considered.”