EPPING/THEYDON BOIS: Tributes and questions over crash victim (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

EPPING/THEYDON BOIS: Tributes and questions over crash victim

10:02am Tuesday 9th March 2010

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MORE tributes have been made to a man who lost his life in a road accident as villagers struggle to explain the incident.

John Eldred, 56, of Hemnall Street, in Epping, died when he was hit by a silver Vauxhall Corsa, in Coppice Row, Theydon Bois, at about 9.45pm last Friday.

Theydon Bois has suffered problems with road accidents for years, but the site of the latest crash, near the village hall and yards from a speed camera, is not a known danger area.

Jill Oakley, 76, of Coppice Row, who lives near the crash site, said: “I was in bed when I looked out and saw some flashing lights. I heard nothing before that.

“It's a pretty straight road there and there was light from the entrance to the village hall. I don't know what happened.”

Her husband Brian, 81, said: “I haven't got a clue what happened. The first thing we noticed was flashing blue lights. I had a look outside. There was a car parked which would have been the one involved. There were a couple of chaps sitting in there.

“There were two police cars blocking the road outside the house and that stretch of road was blocked- all the traffic was having to turn around.

“The whole thing is very unusual. At that time of night there's one car every five minutes. There was no broken glass about that you might expect. The car looked fine- no broken headlamps or anything. It clearly wasn't damaged.”

Bradley Wilkin, 46, of Theydon Park Road, Theydon Bois, said more should be done to prevent accidents in the village.

He said: “Everywhere around here is a major problem. Last week two cars ended up in the ditches in the forest. You've got the zebra crossing down there and coming from Abridge they come 50, 60 mph. This bit is ok, there's a speed camera, so how this happened I've no idea.

“The pavements need to be made bigger. On Sunday morning you've got the church- a lot of people come out the church.”

A growing number of tributes have been left to Mr Eldred at the crash site.

One read: “To John's family honestly I don't know what to say. A great and funny man has left us who always made me laugh and his memories always will. One thing for sure, they will be having a lot more parties in heaven from now on, love The Becketts.

Another said: “Uncle John always there for us and everyone loved by all we'll miss you. Rest in Peace Lucy, Paul, Kate and Stanley.”

Any witnesses to the crash should call the Chigwell Road Policing Unit on 0300 333 4444.

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