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RAYLEIGH High Street is to close to traffic for four weeks to allow gas pipes to be replaced.
The whole High Street, from the junction with Crown Hill, will be shut to cars from July 27.
Energy supplier National Grid is carrying out the work as part of a £4million programme, which began in January, to replace all of Rayleigh's old metal underground pipes with new plastic ones.
Tory councillor Tony Hum-phries said: "It will cause traffic chaos for those weeks, but this is essential work which I hope will be carried out competently and expeditiously.
"Shutting the High Street obviously isn't in the best interests of motorists, but the maintenance programme needs to be done."
Carl Watson, who runs Squires Coffee Shop in the High Street, is chairman of Rayleigh Chamber of Trade.
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He said: "I'm very concerned about the effect on the town.
"It will have a big impact and I can see it causing chaos.
"Lots of businesses are already feeling the pinch because of the credit crunch and online shopping.
"I remember noticing a drop in trade when Websters Way car park was revamped a few years ago, because people had nowhere to park."
Keith Davey, of Byfords Butchers, said: "It doesn't look good.
"A large area will be closed which will definitely will affect trade in the High Street."
Sarah Harris, a spokeswoman for National Grid, said delivery vehicles for local businesses would still be able to enter the area.
She said: "This is very important work to benefit the local community.
"People will have a reliable gas supply for years to come, and the only way we can do it is to close the road.
"We will make every effort to keep the community involved and minimise inconvenience where we can."
Posted by: Ian Jordan, Rayleigh on 9:30pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]evilc[/bold] wrote:
WOW This will be interesting buses re routed where to? Gridlock arrives early![/quote] Up Crown Hill, Right, Left & straight down Eastwood Road with a temporary bus stop outside Wimpys.
Now Websters Way is two way, you don't need to drive up the High St to get to Hockley Rd
evilc wrote:
WOW This will be interesting buses re routed where to? Gridlock arrives early!
Up Crown Hill, Right, Left & straight down Eastwood Road with a temporary bus stop outside Wimpys.
Now Websters Way is two way, you don't need to drive up the High St to get to Hockley Rd
[quote][bold]Ian Jordan[/bold] wrote:
Maybe it should be permanently closed and the High St pedestrianised?[/quote] That would [bold]really[/bold] kill the high street off.
Ian Jordan wrote:
Maybe it should be permanently closed and the High St pedestrianised?
Posted by: Kim Gandy, Rayleigh on 6:15pm Wed 14 May 08
Well we shall see what we shall see.
As I live in the middle of town, I will be most interested to see how it pans out.
Anyone want a car space to rent?
Just kidding!
Well we shall see what we shall see.
As I live in the middle of town, I will be most interested to see how it pans out.
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