DRIVERS are ignoring signs not to drive out of The Fairway where the second phase of gas works has begun.

Work by National Grid to replace pipes in the road which joins the A127 in Leigh are two weeks ahead of schedule for the 18-week project.

Work on the Eastwood Road North end of the road has now been completed and the focus is now on the other end of the road.

Traffic is currently being prevented from joining the A127 while motorists can enter The Fairway from the busy arterial road.

By ignoring the signs, drivers could face a head-on smash.

Stephen Aylen, Belfairs ward councillor said motorists are risking serious injury by ignoring the signs.

He said: “I have seen it myself. People are driving on pavements and grass verges to get round. It’s like the pavements and verges don’t exist and it’s one big road.

“There is a potential for a head-on crash. We’ve put up all the signs we can but people just ignore them and drive through. I even saw people taking the cones away. I’m not sure what more we can do about it.”

Mr Aylen praised National Grid for being ahead of schedule.

He said: “The whole thing has been very smooth and they are really ahead of their game.

“There have been lots of complaints about buses which have to terminate at Belgrave Road.

“There are a lot of elderly people who now have to walk further to the bus.

“Business is still being hit but we have ten more weeks and we’ve done what we can to minimise problems.”

The second phase of the National Grid works will allow buses to enter The Fairway from Eastwood Road North and turn left into Woodside through to Eastwood Old Road before turning right to Mountain Ash Avenue.

Other traffic wanting to get to roads on the right hand side of The Fairway will turn right into Moor Park Gardens and a temporary pedestrian crossing will also be installed.

Belfairs ward councillor Maureen Butler asked the gas company to retain some access to the shops as they are a priority to residents.

It was agreed that one lane will be open so that traffic will be able to access the petrol station and the shops in Eastwood Old Road.

The Echo previously reported how businesses were having to lay off staff because of a drop in trade caused by the work. Byfords Food Hall in Eastwood Old Road, is one of the affected traders who have resorted to getting their own signs made to show they were still open for business. Southend Council has sent its business support team down to talk to affected businesses and advice them on how to get compensation from National Grid.