A St Osyth pub landlord says he campaigned for action on a notorious junction where a dog walker was hit by a car and killed yesterday.
The victim, named locally as Ron Ramsey, was struck by a Volkswagen estate car, which left Clacton Road and crashed into The Hoy pub at around 4.20pm.
Mr Ramsey, aged in his 70s, was walking his dog Bobby at the time of the fatal collision but despite the best efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene.
A 36-year-old woman from the Clacton area has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
She was taken to hospital after the collision with serious, but not life-changing injuries. She is currently in police custody.
Neil Young, landlord of The Hoy pub, said he had warned the council previously about the Clacton Road and Colchester Road crossroads.
He said: “I contacted the council a year ago about this and said it was only a matter of time before a life was lost.
“We been campaigning on our Facebook page about the junction but nothing has been done.”
Mr Young added he held Mr Ramsey in his arms outside the pub as he died.
Several clips of CCTV footage showing crashes and near misses at the junction is posted on The Hoy’s Facebook page, with one video – dated May 17 last year – which includes the comment: “The council have been told. So be it on their head.”
The pub sustained structural damage following the collision and the crossroads were closed for a number of hours on Thursday while forensic teams carried out investigations at the scene.
James Morris, office manager of Ellacott Morris accountants, who are situated opposite The Hoy, said regular problems on the corner are witnessed by businesses.
He said: “I didn’t see it, but I heard a loud screech, followed by shouting and screaming.
“I didn’t know Ron personally, but I would see him around walking his dog and say hello.
“It’s a notorious junction and it’s touched people and all us businesses around here because it could have been any one of us.”
Essex police would like to hear from any witnesses to the collision and anyone who may have dash cam footage or CCTV of the incident.
Call the serious collision investigation unit on 01245 240590 with information or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.
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