A DAD fears a child could be badly hurt by a speeding driver on an unmade road near two Benfleet primary schools.

Edward Fisk raised the problem of nuisance drivers at the Benfleet Neighbourhood meeting, held in Richmond Hall.

Mr Fisk, 45, said there had been near misses and confrontations in Downer Road, near the junction with Bowers Road, as people use the area as a cut-through to get to Holy Family School and Kents Hill Junior School.

He said: “We have got a bad problem with traffic. I have been to the council, to the county council, but I am at my wits end.

“There is going to be a serious accident with some kids one day. I want someone to come down and look at the problems we have got.”

He said the problems usually peaked in the morning rush hour, or when parents picked up their children from school in the afternoon.

Mr Fisk, who was at the meeting with his daughter, Holly, ten, added: “The speed of the traffic you have to see to believe.”

County councillor Colin Riley said he would look into the matter.

He said: “This is the first I have heard of it. I will take this gentleman’s information, meet him on site and report back to highways.”

Essex County Council has confirmed it is investigating the speeding allegations.

A spokesman said: “We are aware of the concerns about Downer Road and Bowers Road in Benfleet.

“We are looking into the concerns raised.”