A POPULAR playground could be putting children’s lives at risk, a residents’ association has warned.

The £300,000 playground installed on Shoebury Common North in April 2021 has become so popular that Shoebury Residents’ Association fears too many children are running back and forth between the playground, the beach and south common.

And now the association has called for a pelican crossing to be installed on Shoebury Common Road.

Peter Lovett, vice-chairman of the association, wrote to councillors calling for action before someone is hurt.

He said: “The playground has created a common that is now used from 7am until dusk.

“I have health and safety concerns now that the summer is approaching, where young children and families will visit our beach through the south common.

“When they hear the sounds of laughter and enjoyment, many try to cross a very busy road to access these facilities via Uncle Tom’s area, where vehicles are either speeding along Shoebury Common Road or accessing the car park. We are very worried about a serious accident unless we take action to make this area safer for all concerned, both residents and visitors alike, by providing a pelican crossing.”

Mr Lovett and suggested money not spent on installing unpopular speed bumps in Thorpe Bay could be used.

He said: “The council was given £500,000 for road safety, which would be better spent on projects like this rather than blanket speed bumps and restrictions proposed for just one ward.”

The playground nearly failed to get planning permission after some councillors raised concerns over road safety, with some unsuccessfully calling for it to be placed on the south common.

Kevin Buck, councillor responsible for highways, transport and parking, said: “It’s absolutely something we need to look into. Originally the playground was going to be placed on the beach side of the road but the majority felt it would be better on the common which I believe was the right thing to do but we definitely need to look at this.

“I am aware of the ring-fenced fund for specific road safety measures that exists and hasn’t been spent on the Thorpe Bay speed bumps so it’s definitely something that I will be looking into.

“I’ll ensure the Conservative administration keeps in touch with the residents’ Association to keep them updated as to what we are doing about it.”