A COUNCIL has been left red-faced after its highway workers apparently ran out of space while painting road markings.

Residents in Manningtree have been chuckling at the high-profile error after “Keep Clea” – rather than “Keep Clear” – was painted on a town centre road in large white letters.

Essex County Council has pledged to sort out the problem.

A spokeswoman said: “Essex County Council Highways Department have been made aware of the error on South Street in Manningtree.

“The council can confirm that this will be fixed as soon as possible.”