POWER was knocked out to two homes after early morning crashes at an accident blackspot.

There have been more than 16 accidents in 18 months outside the Pinnock family’s home, in Runwell Road, near Wickford, because cars keep hitting a recurring patch of black ice.

At about 5.15am yesterday a woman in her sixties was cut out of her car and taken to hospital with a suspected shoulder injury and chest pain, after her silver car collided with telegraph pole.

About three hours later a white Skanska van left the road and smashed in to a ditch close to the crash site.

Brian Pinnock and his family say the problems are being caused by a leaking drain further along the road, which causes black ice and makes the road treacherous for motorists.

He said: “We have been lobbying Essex County Council for nearly two years about this drain.

“Someone is going to die here if nothing is done.

“The ice was severe out here and we just knew we were going to get another crash.

“We completely lost power, following the first crash.

“The electricity board hase had to set up an electric generator and run it through our letter box which is not ideal.”

The Echo reported in May how ten cars had crashed outside the Pinnock’s home, which is just before the Toby Carvery at the junction with the A130, in 12 months.

They included cars spinning out of control and ending up in the Pinnock’s front garden.

On December 30, we reported how the Pinnocks had witnessed four smashes in just one day.

Basildon Council is working with Chelmsford City Council and Essex County Council to look at the options for the road layout in Runwell Road, as part of the plans for the redevelopment of the Runwell Hospital site.

The options include a proposal for the entry to the site to be moved down the hill, away from the Toby Carvery, weight restrictions on Runwell Road to discourage people from using it as a cut through between the Rettendon Turnpike and Wickford, and changes to the speed limit.

Aspokesman from EssexCounty Council, said: “Essex County Council takes road safety very seriously and monitors the number of collisions which occur to look at where road safety measures can be placed. We are sorry to hear about the latest incidents, but would remind drivers they should always drive to the road conditions especially when the temperature falls below zero.

“The last time the speed limit on this road was assessed, it was found to be appropriate.

“We are always willing to listen to proposals from residents which might improve safety. These can be submitted through a local parish or district councillor and are considered