A VILLAGER has hit out at Essex Police after a Freedom of Information request revealed the force said lowering the speed limit outside a school was “inappropriate”, despite a number of deaths.

Road safety campaigners want the speed limit to be reduced from 40mph to 30mph outside St Andrew’s Primary School, in Clacton Road, Weeley.

It is the spot where pedestrian Ruth Smith, 82, was killed after being hit by a speeding driver in January 2012.

Villagers were left furious after it was revealed a single objection from Essex Police had scuppered plans to lower the limit.

Read the full story in the Clacton Gazette, out now.