CHILDREN will design posters warning of the dangers of crossing the A127 after a 13-year-old boy killed by a car.

Joseph Sheridan, from Wickford, was crossing the dual carriageway on Monday, February 15, when he was hit by a car on the Southend-bound carriageway, near Basildon’s Mayflower retail park.

The Bromfords School student was taken to Basildon Hospital with multiple injuries and later died.

Police told the Echo they were in talks with Essex County Council about installing a footbridge over the busy road, but admitted the community could face a long wait.

As a temporary measure, pupils at Crays Hill Primary School, in London Road, Crays Hill, will design extra signs warning drivers and pedestrians of the dangers of that stretch of the A127.

Chief Inspector Shaun Cane, district police commander for Basildon, said: “We have had a very successful community consultancy meeting, which involved the ward councillor Terri Sargent, representatives from Essex County Council and the local community.

“We had a very sensible conversation regarding the immediate concerns around road safety and temporary measures to prevent problems.

“As well as the posters, other measures that are being considered are changing the barriers, perhaps including shrubbery.

“The temporary measures have been welcomed and everyone accepts that the suggestion of a footbridge is a possible longterm solution that will have to go through a consultation process.

“We are also going into schools to give safety talks.”

Joseph’s death sparked a protest on the A127 the following night, with six vehicles and a group of 30 people blocking the road near the Shell petrol station for five hours.

A new petition calling for improved pedestrian crossings has been set up and has already been signed by more than 500 people.

Mr Cane said Essex Police representatives had laid flowers at the Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, in London Road, Wickford, as a mark of respect.

He added: “This was a very tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

“We are completely in support of reducing any risk on the roads and we are doing everything in our power to listen to the concerns and make changes.”

! A man, 31, from Southend, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has been released on bail until Tuesday, June 21, pending further enquiries.