A crossing where an elderly woman was killed has been temporarily closed – and a safety assessment is now due to take place.

The woman, named Betty, died after being hit by a van as she crossed Hempstead Road between Courtlands Drive and Stanbury Avenue on Friday, May 20.

The death sparked renewed appeals from people living in the area for greater safety measures at the “dangerous” crossing.

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Neighbours say they had asked Hertfordshire County Council, which is responsible for roads, to install traffic lights or signs at the crossing, as well as asking for trees and bushes which restrict visibility at the roadside to be cut back prior to the accident.

Ken Phillips, who lives in Stanbury Avenue, has vowed to "stir it up again" if there is no improvement.

He said: “As always progress with any council is slow, but the dangerous gap was closed off very quickly by council.

“I would like to think that the council have been somewhat embarrassed by the complete lack of care and maintenance of the area and crossing and so will hopefully deal with the matter very quickly.”

Neighbours say they spoke to a council worker at the scene about what was being done.

Watford Observer: The crossing in Hempstead RoadThe crossing in Hempstead Road

Watford Observer: The crossing in Hempstead RoadThe crossing in Hempstead Road

Mr Phillips added: “A council worker, who was checking the area out, indicated that they were going to build some kind of proper wall or barrier in the short term while the whole situation is reviewed.

“It does look as if they are going to sort this part out very quickly so let’s hope it is all carried out very quickly or we will stir it up again.”

Campaigners hoping for traffic lights at the crossing say the council has not confirmed anything.

A Hertfordshire County Council spokesperson said: “The footpath opposite Courtlands Drive has been temporarily closed to allow for overgrown hedges and trees to be cut back.

“We are currently in the process of planning for this work to be carried out as soon as possible by a specialist contractor.

“The road crossing will also be audited and assessed for safety.”