To protect residents from speeding motorists the council has launched a petition to be sent to Hertfordshire Highways requesting a crossing be put in the main road that runs through the village.

Chairman of the council, Alan Fantham, said he would consider spending some of the council's money to make sure one was installed.

He said: "It's absolutely an accident waiting to happen. I don't want anyone to die before this is realised."

This move follows the news that a strict health and safety assessment would need to be carried out on the village Christmas tree.

Cllr Fantham deemed this unnecessary in light of the danger the road presented to the elderly and young who lived in the village.

"The tree has always gone up no problem. The crossing, on the other hand, is very dangerous particularly for the elderly that live here. This is more of a risk than the Christmas tree," he said.

In response spokesman for Herts County Council, Fiona Winspear, said the safety checks had to be carried out in line with a new national code of practice.

She said: "The code, which is national guidance, is not intended to prevent seasonal decorations from being used, but to ensure that they are installed, operated and removed safely.

"We are unapologetically cautious about this."

She added: "If Mr Fantham's petition is presented to the next Highways Joint Member Panel in the new year, it will be up to members to decide whether Hertfordshire Highways will investigate the possibility of taking action at this site."

The petition is available for people to sign in the parish council office.

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