Essex County Council has asked residents to clear up gardens or land bordering the road as the winter approaches.

During storm Aileen earlier this month, highways crews were contacted about 21 separate incidents where trees blocked roads in Essex.

Councillor Ian Grundy, responsible for Highways, said: “Ditches are the responsibility of landowners, even if they are next to the road.

“Blocked ditches cause flooding which in winter can turn into highly dangerous ice on the road, so please do clear them now to avoid putting drivers and pedestrians in unnecessary danger.

“I’m sure everyone will want to act responsibly and take care of their own boundaries, to keep all of us safer this winter.”

The council can issue enforcement notices to landowners with blocked ditches which flood the highway, or vegetation obstructing the highway.