EMERGENCY repairs are being carried out after a busy road in Benfleet collapsed.

Part of Richmond Avenue has been closed to traffic after residents complained to Essex County Council a section of the road had collapsed last month.

The road, which is just off High Road, is one of the main routes in Benfleet.

It is used to access the two main town centre car parks, Richmond Community Hall and the Women’s Institute Hall.

Essex County Council highway inspectors, who carry out routine checks of the road each year, discovered the cave-in after being alerted by a member of the public.

The concerned resident contacted the council on Friday last week after becoming worried the collapse could pose a danger to motorists and residents.

Investigations are under way to determine the cause of the collapse and safety barriers have been installed around the area.

The council refused to speculate on just what caused the damage until investigations have been completed.

The collapse comes after motorists and residents learnt they will have to endure more delays as roadworks at the Tarpots junction, linking London Road and Rushbottom Lane to High Road, Benfleet, will now not be finished until June 19.

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “We were contacted by a member of the public on June 1, who advised us there was an issue in Richmond Avenue. An inspector was sent out and determined part of the road had collapsed.

“We put up safety barriers as we were concerned there could be a deeper hole underneath. An investigation will be held to determine the cause. When this is complete, we will repair the road.”

Residents are being urged to stay clear of the site until the road has been repaired. Repairs are scheduled to last until June 11, but may be pushed back depending on the inspection.