VILLAGERS in Thorpe are recording ‘dangerous’ traffic movements in a bid to find a solution to its worsening congestion.

They fear someone will be killed one day, a problem they say is more likely to happen as the village grows.

Residents complain that trucks often block its narrow high street, as do buses and farm vehicles, leaving traffic at a standstill.

Often they also mount pavements “pinning children against the wall” to try and pass through the village.

And just about every day, pictures or video of the latest ‘horror story’ is posted on the village website.

Louise Weston, who is compiling the record, said Thorpe has always had traffic problems. Its high street is littered with businesses and services including a school, pre-school, day care centres, three pubs, a café/restaurant and a Tesco.

“The only parking facilities belong to a pub,” she said.

HGV restrictions have been lifted, she said, which has led to more trucks and farm vehicles driving through.

“We have had parents with pushchairs and disabled users having to go onto the road. In the last week, we have had two near misses involving busses. Once, high school children were pinned against the wall as the bus mounted the kerb,” she said.

Essex Police has been told of various incidents and district councillor Dan Land is working with Essex County Council and others to see what can be done.

“We as a village feel there’s going to be a serious accident. There’s a fatality waiting to happen,” Louise said.

Residents also believe the record will help the village try and stop unwanted development in the area adding to its congestion.

“We certainly need to get traffic through the village reduced,” she continued.

However, a solution may not be that easy. Thorpe is on the main road to Frinton and Walton. Though a by-pass was considered in the 1960s, such a scheme is now unlikely to happen.

“Thorpe is an old village with narrow pavements. It’s a matter of someone listening to us but that hasn’t happened yet,” Louise added.

Mr Land praised the villagers for compiling the record of dangerous traffic incidents.

“We are starting to contact the relevant agencies to see what possible solutions they can present to us,” he commented.