Shopkeepers are urging a council to mend dodgy paving slabs after one man fell and knocked some of his teeth out.

Hairdressers in Braintree’s Market Street also offered to ring for an ambulance after a woman, aged in her fifties, fell and suffered a nasty knee injury while making her way past their premises.

Sherridans Hair and Beauty manager Sophie Harrington said: “We have seen umpteen older people who have tripped and fallen outside.
“Last year, a man in his seventies tripped and knocked a few of his front teeth out.”

Hedingham Models and Collectables co-owner Sylvia Thorogood, also based in Market Street, added: “One area looks like a lake when it rains and that’s just outside what used to be the sweet shop. That’s the worst place.

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “Essex Highways have carried out a robust inspection of the area to investigate the footway defects that have been reported.
“A number of footway defects have been recorded and are currently being planned into a schedule of work."