RESIDENTS in East Hertfordshire have expressed alarm at recently revealed plans to close a crucial road for a seven week period.

At a recent public ‘drop in’ event, developer Places for People revealed plans to close the length of the C161 between the Eastwick roundabout and Dusty Miller pub to allow the digging of deep ditches to install services and utilities along the north side of the road.

If this closure happens, as planned, the impact on existing residents will be massive. There will be widespread congestion on unsuitable roads and increased journeytime for schoolchildren, commuters and businesses and, if needed, emergency services.

There will be lost business with customers, staff and suppliers stuck in traffic and increased air pollution as cars end up in long queues, as well as potential for disaster as emergency services from Harlow get stuck in tailbacks on backroads.

Anthony Bickmore, chair of the Hunsdon, Eastwick and Gilston Neighbourhood Plan Group (NPG), said: 

“When this bombshell was dropped during a recent public ‘drop in’ event, the hall was full of very concerned voices from residents – and with good reason. 

“We know that all developments mean disruption and that the ‘least bad’ option must be sought, but it doesn’t feel as though this plan has been thought through in enough detail with proper regard given to the existing community. The NPG remains willing to work collaboratively to seek a better outcome for residents and has made a suggestion to commission an independent review.

 
“This isn’t some small road closure. It will result in total gridlock around Harlow, Gilston, High Wych and Sawbridgeworth for nearly two months, as commuters and schoolchildren struggle through an extra hour on their journeys each way.” 

He added:

“It really wasn’t made clear to us why these new services must be laid so close to the existing road. Residents haven’t been shown what other options have been considered. The recent highway works in Harlow had deep trench working, with specialist protection.

“We were also alarmed by the apparent lack of concern from the developers, who didn’t seem to understand, or care about, their plans impact on the community, which they have known about for some time but they have just unveiled.

“As works start in earnest on the Gilston project this revelation has damaged the confidence of existing communities that the development and its impacts will be properly or seriously managed.

“That developers must have known about these works for some time, but only announced them a few weeks before they propose to start work, erodes confidence further.”