THE OWNER of a diner at risk of becoming a blackspot for accidents is relieved to have his warning signs returned.

Last week Mark Mascar, owner of The Empire Diner on the A12 at Rivenhall End, witnessed someone reversing down the road to get there.

The diner had ‘services’ signs put up earlier this month to give drivers enough time to stop, but contractors for Highways England took the signs down without warning as they had not been agreed with the authority.

A collision outside the diner followed, and Mr Mascar was desperate to get the signs back to prevent more accidents.

Highways England has now returned the signs, which has given him piece of mind.

He said: "They came last week and and gave us our signs back, we ask every customer if they saw the signs and although it's quite a small turning at least the signs warn them.

"It definitely makes a huge difference to drivers and there hasn't been any near misses.

"The last thing we want is an accident- a lot of people have come in and supported us as they don't want us to close.

"The volume of traffic has increased since the schoolchildren went on summer holiday, and Highways England are coming down on Friday to see us."

A spokesman for Highways England said they are in touch with the owners of the diner about signage for their business.