Angry residents have hit out at speeding motorists for putting pupils' lives at risk.

Vic Brown, a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator in the Clacton East area, told panel members at the Clacton East Neighbourhood Action Panel that many motorists recklessly speed along Holland Road, between its junctions with Skelmersdale Road and Boley Drive.

He said that many youngsters are in the area at the end of the school day and he called on the school's dedicated police officer to patrol the area.

PC Alan Williams, Clacton County High School's safer schools officer, said: "I am aware of the issues regarding traffic when pupils are leaving school.

"I will try to get out there as much as I can to make sure children are safe when they are leaving."