An environmental campaigner has drawn attention to Saffron Walden's damaged street furniture, and the potential danger it poses to the public.
Trilby Roberts, from Uttlesford Green Party, highlighted the "potentially lethal" conditions of signs, lampposts and pavements in the town.
Referring to a fallen 'give way' sign by the bus stop outside the district council offices, she said: "This sign is near a busy bus stop, that serves the station, and on the major walking route for Saffron Walden County High School students.
"Just think of the injuries, or possible fatality, that could have occurred if it had come down when people were waiting at the bus stop or when a group of students were passing by."
She pointed out another sign outside Katherine Semar School, which is listing to one side and "could come down in a strong wind" - adding that while it has been reported no action has been taken to ensure the safety of passers by.
Another lamppost was found to have been repaired ineffectually with sticky tape.
Trilby said: "Lampposts like these proliferate throughout the town presenting hazards to curious young hands and urinating hounds. Bits of sticky tape offer no safety."
She added: "It really is atrocious that the sixth richest country in the world is so run down.
"Street furniture in this degree of disrepair present a real danger to people using the pavements in the town."
Trilby also wrote to Saffron Walden MP Kemi Badenoch about the issues, which fall under the remit of Essex County Council and their highways contractor.
READ MORE
- 'Evacuee: A Wartime Childhood' exhibition to open at Saffron Walden Museum
- 'Lost Walden' book shows never-before-seen photos from town's history
A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: "Our engineers carry out routine inspections of Essex’s highways and will record any road sign or street light they believe is damaged to the extent it is likely to cause a hazard for road users.
"This is in addition to the street light upgrade programme, which is being rolled out across Essex to replace existing street lights with LED units.
"Anyone who notices a broken road sign or a faulty street light can report it via our website or by calling 0845 603 7631."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here