Families in Tenterden have been "risking their lives" due to a pedestrian crossing closure, residents have claimed.

The High Street crossing near the junction with Recreation Ground Road has been barricaded off due to roadworks on the adjacent road.

The zebra crossing, which runs between the Boots store and M&Co, was closed off last month following traffic issues caused by the ongoing road replacement works.

However, locals say that the closure – which has also included the lights on the junction – has led to speed issues on the road.

When a KentOnline reporter visited the lane, we witnessed 10 people or groups of people make the crossing in less than 10 minutes.

This included men carrying drinks, pensioners visiting Boots and families with two or more children.

Neil Murray said that people have been "taking their lives into their own hands" since the crossing was closed.

"There has been no safe way of crossing provided, just a sign saying 'crossing not in use find alternative,'" he said.

"What exactly does that mean? Any alternative? Flying across?

"The only alternative people have taken is to walk around the safety railings and make the crossing without the protection of the lights or middle island."

A Kent County Council (KCC) spokesperson said that the crossing had been turned off due to issues caused by "sequencing of the permanent traffic lights", and that residents should use the nearest available crossing – between Nationwide and the Cranbrook bakery.

"While we understand this will be disruptive to pedestrians, the safety of everyone using our roads is our priority," he added.

However, Recreation Ground Road resident Gill Gladman said that the closure was extremely problematic for residents, especially for the elderly and those with children with alternatives further away for them to cope with.

"It might seem like nothing when you talk about it in theory, but that extra distance can mean a huge amount to an elderly resident, or someone who is trying to keep a toddler in check," she said.

"For an elderly resident who has already has to walk up to Boots because you can't get a prescription at the chemist any more, that extra distance is too much."

The lights and crossing are expected to be restored at the end of this phase of works on Recreation Ground Road.

The phase was originally scheduled to end next week, but is expected to finish this week after starting a week ahead of schedule.