EAST Thurrock MP James McMurdock has called on Thurrock Council to take urgent action to improve safety outside a local primary school after a child was involved in a collision with a vehicle.

The incident happened on Friday (9 October) morning outside Graham James Primary Academy on the Sorrells in Corringham. The child was unharmed but the issue has prompted great concern among parents and the boy and his mother were left deeply shaken.

Witnesses have said the driver of the vehicle involved showed no remorse when confronted, dismissing it with: "Well, it's not a crossing!"

One parent contacted Thurrock Nub News to say: "​This is an accident waiting to happen, and there have been numerous near-misses over the past year. For years, we had a dedicated crossing patrol person here, but she lost her job and was never replaced.

"The school has repeatedly tried to raise this with Thurrock Council, but they've been met with silence or poor responses."

And she said the patience of local people was now 'worn out', adding: "​Because of this morning's incident, a whole wave of local parents has launched a bombardment of emails to our local councillors, the transport lead, and the road safety lead.

"We are done waiting for a tragedy to happen and we want action and a proper crossing put in place now."

In March this year a confrontation outside the school involving parents, passers-by and a crossing patrol officer required the presence of police and, since then, there has been no patrol outside the school.

That incident prompted the intervention of Mr McMurdock at the time and he was quick to comment on Friday's incident, saying: "We previously wrote to Thurrock Council about reinstating the lollipop lady outside Graham James back in April.

"Their response was incredibly poor and failed to assure us that any action would be taken.

"We will write to them immediately and express concerns.

"We will request they confirm the exact provisions they will implement to ensure child and parent safety in the area."

Corringham and Fobbing ward councillor Sara Poyntz, speaking on behalf of local colleagues, says: "We are aware of an incident where sadly a child got knocked over by a vehicle outside Graham James Primary.

"We understand the child is thankfully unharmed but would urge that a medical examination is still carried out as a precautionary measure.

"Thank you to concerned parents who have contacted us and given information.

"We have contacted the Head of the School and also the relevant departments within the Council, and notified them this is a matter of urgency.

"If anyone has any CCTV or footage or further information please email us at [email protected]."