Concerned residents of a narrow road in Epping have been taking to the street to urge drivers to “slow down".

A road closure campaign began three years ago as Bell Common is “overwhelmed by traffic and speeding from drivers using it as a cut through between Epping High Road and Theydon Road”, residents say.

Essex County Council agreed on plans to make the road a no-through road, however, a timeframe for the changes has yet to be confirmed.

Last year, Essex County Council said: “The proposed scheme does depend on a land arrangement with the City of London Corporation which we hope to conclude during this financial year.”

Frustrated residents say they have been “kept in the dark” as to when the closure may take place and have doubts on whether it will go ahead.

Linda Newman, of Bell Common wants the road closed immediately due to several incidents where her car has been damaged by cars travelling down the road too quickly.

She explained that she can no longer put all the repair costs through her insurance due to the damage happening so frequently.

The 69-year-old has also had to have her cat put down after it was run over on the road.

Ms Newman explained: “The road really needs to close. Most weeks there is a near miss of an accident.

“The traffic at the end of the road causes drivers to start beeping their horns and swearing.”

Louise Want, who is a Bell Common resident said she would be pleased with clear road signs telling drivers to slow down: “The number of animals that get killed down this road is wrong, we have seen deer getting destroyed and pets having to be put down,” she said.

Animal activist, Edna Law, 86, has lived on the road for 36 years.

Edna, who first sent a letter to the council complaining about speeding in Bell Common 29 years ago, has purchased her own sign encouraging drivers to drive carefully on the road.

Margaret Jones, another resident, added: “My disappointment is that we were all so excited by the news that the road would be closing last year.

“Now we are being kept in the dark.”

A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation said: “We fully support Epping Forest’s local residents and we are working closely with Essex County Council to ensure their safety on the road.”