CIVIC chiefs are not ruling out installing roadside railings in Colchester after the death of teenager Cassie McCord.

The 16-year-old died after being hit by a car that had mounted the pavement in Head Street.

But senior council figures said it was important “grief-stricken” Colchester did not see any knee-jerk reactions to the tragedy.

Tim Young, cabinet member for community safety at Colchester Borough Council, said adding kerbside railings would not be a bad idea.

“If there was demand and the evidence proved it was necessary I would not rule it out,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but I don’t think we should have any knee-jerk reactions. But it’s something I would be prepared to consider.

“We were considering something similar in the High Street, but the rules and regulations from the county council wanted to rid the streets of clutter.”

Mr Young, asked how the tragedy had affected the town, said; “The atmosphere is very sombre and it’s affected the town greatly.

“Grief-stricken is the right word and we will need to respond in some way and obviously our hearts go out to her family.”

Colchester mayor Sonia Lewis said: “I have been out and about over the last two or three days and I have never known something having such an effect on Colchester residents. They are all shocked and their hearts and prayers are with the families.

“I don’t know if anyone has suggested railings, but I just think it’s got to be looked at in its entirety. If you put them in here it could have implications in other areas.

“I can’t comment on the safety measures in Head Street until we have the accident inquest, but I’m concerned about the number of children that congregate in that area to get to the college.”

Essex Police confirmed last night the 87-year-old driver of the car, who is believed to have suffered a heart attack, was still in Colchester General Hospital.

chris.harris@eadt.co.uk