A new Lidl is planned for London Road in Rayleigh, but the junction design leaves pedestrians unsafe. The current plan only adds a small island, not a proper crossing. The road is busy, fast, and used by families every day. We need Essex Highways to insist Lidl installs a safe, signal-controlled crossing before it’s too late.

We, the undersigned, are calling on Essex County Council (Essex Highways) to show a Lidl bit of common sense and include a proper pedestrian crossing in the plans for the new Lidl development on London Road, Rayleigh and insist they include it as part of their designs.

The current plan only includes a small traffic island, not a safe crossing. London Road carries heavy traffic, has nearby bus stops, and is used daily by families and schoolchildren.

The safety audit for this site was done in August, during the summer holidays, when traffic and pedestrian numbers are much lower. It does not represent real conditions at school times or rush hour.

We are asking Essex Highways as the statutory consultee to:

• Reassess the junction during term time and normal traffic conditions.
• Include a safe pedestrian crossing in the design.
• Put public safety before developer convenience.

Residents deserve a safe way to cross London Road. Anything less is unsafe and unacceptable.