CAMPAIGNERS had raised concerns about a blackspot close to where a cyclist was killed in a collision.

A man was riding his bike along Harwich Road, Great Bromley, when was he was struck by a car at just after 8pm on Saturday.

Police later arrested a 71-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a crash.

He has been released while investigations continue.

Campaigners have been calling for the speed limit on Harwich Road to be cut to 30mph.

Councillor Fred Nicholls said: “I was in the Court House pub nearby when the accident happened.

“Someone came in and told us there had been a bad accident.

“Along with parish councillors, I have been campaigning for a 30mph limit from Hare Green down to the Court House.

“We have been campaigning for months for action to be taken, but nothing has been done.

“There had been an increase in speeding but despite our requests there have been no police speed checks.”

In November last year, Mr Nicholls called on the police to take action to prevent a fatal collision on roads across Tendring after claiming there had been an increase in speeding in the Great Bromley area due to a lack of police enforcement.

Mr Nicholls said speeding in rural areas was one of the most talked about issues at parish councils.

His motion at Tendring Council called on the police to provide more officers for speed enforcement checks and to provide Speed Watch training to town and parish councils.

“Of course, it is still too early to say whether speed was an issue in this tragic incident, but in general it seems people are not taking any notice of the road condition and the speed limit,” he said.

“We are still petitioning the Essex County Council highways panel for a double roundabout outside the Court House, where there are accidents every other week.

“I spoke to the police officer there Saturday night and he couldn’t believe it is not a 30mph stretch along there.

“Where the accident happened would be outside where the speed limit would be, but people are driving along there with little regard to state of the road.”

Witnesses should call the police on 01245 240590.