It’s no fun being sleepless in Benfleet

12:00pm Monday 2nd July 2012 in Castle Point

Losing sleep – Kathleen Stewart with Joshua, four, Mia Smith and Vena Serjeant Losing sleep – Kathleen Stewart with Joshua, four, Mia Smith and Vena Serjeant

CONTRACTORS desperately trying to finish roadworks at the Tarpots junction in Benfleet are keeping nearby residents up at night.

After weeks of delays and missed deadlines, contractors Birse finally finished the majority of the £120,000 works to replace two mini-roundabouts with traffic lights on Friday.

But now residents lives are being blighted as the firm carries out resurfacing work and digging until 2am, right outside their doors.

Kathleen Stewart, 43, said: “We are all totally livid. We were sent letters to say there would be a week of overnight works from June 14.

“The noise is still going on – it’s totally unbearable.

“A load of residents went out on Wednesday night and complained to the contractors because we had just had enough.

“They told us they had been brought down from Lincolnshire because the works had overrun so much, and they said Tesco had said they wanted the work to start after 11pm when they close.”

The Tarpots roadworks started in March and were supposed to take only seven weeks.

Mrs Stewart added: “I have a little grandson who has been staying with me and he has not been able to sleep.

It’s been making him ill. I may have to take him to hospital because of this.

“We have had enough and something has got to be done to stop these outrageous works.

“It is ruining our lives because we cannot get any sleep.”

Mrs Stewart is also angry that workmen have removed a zebra crossing from outside Riley’s Snooker Hall, in High Road, Benfleet, which she said was vital for children trying to reach the Appleton School, in Croft Road, and church goers walking to the nearby Holy Family Catholic Church.

Essex County Council said the crossing has been replaced with a new safer signalled crossing at the Tarpots junction.

On the night time works, a spokesman added: “Essex Highways would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused while these works are being carried out.

“However, these works could not be carried out during the day as this would cause heightened traffic disruption in the area.

“Residents have been informed of the need for night works.

“Letters were sent to those who have been affected and additional approval was granted by the environmental health department at Castle Point Council prior to works being carried out.”

Comments (21)

12:31pm Mon 2 Jul 12

Steve H says...

Are these the same residents that are continually bleating on about traffic delays?
Are these the same residents that are continually bleating on about traffic delays? Steve H

12:32pm Mon 2 Jul 12

R85 says...

This country will literally, completely and absolutely always do things the wrong way or the most time consuming and ridiculous way - this is from the largest of things to the smallest of things! The government are consistently looking at ways to make it more difficult – they must be – traffic lights have been proven to slow the flow of traffic and be nowhere near as effective as mini roundabouts! Its just another or the trillions and trillions of ways in which this country is getting sh**ter!
This country will literally, completely and absolutely always do things the wrong way or the most time consuming and ridiculous way - this is from the largest of things to the smallest of things! The government are consistently looking at ways to make it more difficult – they must be – traffic lights have been proven to slow the flow of traffic and be nowhere near as effective as mini roundabouts! Its just another or the trillions and trillions of ways in which this country is getting sh**ter! R85

12:33pm Mon 2 Jul 12

PJR121 says...

I love how - on the Sadler's Farm stories - people complain that the contractors are not working overnight.

THIS IS WHY!

Dammed if they do, Dammed if they don't...
I love how - on the Sadler's Farm stories - people complain that the contractors are not working overnight. THIS IS WHY! Dammed if they do, Dammed if they don't... PJR121

12:42pm Mon 2 Jul 12

Russ13 says...

OK, the works have over run, that's one issue but it would seem the council/contractors can't win.... Some people demand they work night & day to finish the work, others complain that working at night stops them sleeping.

Maybe someone should wave their magic wand instead?
OK, the works have over run, that's one issue but it would seem the council/contractors can't win.... Some people demand they work night & day to finish the work, others complain that working at night stops them sleeping. Maybe someone should wave their magic wand instead? Russ13

12:50pm Mon 2 Jul 12

No1biggestbrat says...

I feel sorry for you, I can hear them working of a night and im in Tyefields, Pitsea so I can imagine the noise from out side your door.
I feel sorry for you, I can hear them working of a night and im in Tyefields, Pitsea so I can imagine the noise from out side your door. No1biggestbrat

1:02pm Mon 2 Jul 12

Blind Haze says...

'Mrs Stewart added: “I have a little grandson who has been staying with me and he has not been able to sleep.

It’s been making him ill. I may have to take him to hospital because of this. '

I wonder what the diagnosis would be....? Perhaps he should be in bed rather than hosptial.
'Mrs Stewart added: “I have a little grandson who has been staying with me and he has not been able to sleep. It’s been making him ill. I may have to take him to hospital because of this. ' I wonder what the diagnosis would be....? Perhaps he should be in bed rather than hosptial. Blind Haze

1:12pm Mon 2 Jul 12

Curbishly says...

The ECHO would have to close down if it wasn't for the road works.
The ECHO would have to close down if it wasn't for the road works. Curbishly

1:13pm Mon 2 Jul 12

howironic says...

One point I think is being missed is the request from Tesco. They asked for work to commence from 11pm, which is after they shut, how about sticking two fingers up at Tesco and starting it after rush hour finishes, say 8pm.
One point I think is being missed is the request from Tesco. They asked for work to commence from 11pm, which is after they shut, how about sticking two fingers up at Tesco and starting it after rush hour finishes, say 8pm. howironic

1:37pm Mon 2 Jul 12

grrrrrr says...

howironic wrote:
One point I think is being missed is the request from Tesco. They asked for work to commence from 11pm, which is after they shut, how about sticking two fingers up at Tesco and starting it after rush hour finishes, say 8pm.
Indeed, whene did tesco run the country.

Also, re the point about the zebra crossing being removed, i totally agree with that point, it should still be there, there is no good reson for it to have been moved, all this will lead to is people not walking down to the new crossing and just corssing the road anywhere they can. Come on ECC and get this crossing back in action
[quote][p][bold]howironic[/bold] wrote: One point I think is being missed is the request from Tesco. They asked for work to commence from 11pm, which is after they shut, how about sticking two fingers up at Tesco and starting it after rush hour finishes, say 8pm.[/p][/quote]Indeed, whene did tesco run the country. Also, re the point about the zebra crossing being removed, i totally agree with that point, it should still be there, there is no good reson for it to have been moved, all this will lead to is people not walking down to the new crossing and just corssing the road anywhere they can. Come on ECC and get this crossing back in action grrrrrr

3:49pm Mon 2 Jul 12

John T Pharro says...

howironic wrote:
One point I think is being missed is the request from Tesco. They asked for work to commence from 11pm, which is after they shut, how about sticking two fingers up at Tesco and starting it after rush hour finishes, say 8pm.
Plus the other point again not finished on time.
Also these road works are at Tarpots which is in a residential area. The night work people wanted to see is on the main A13 and A130 outside the residential area. A lot more work during the day there would help instead of seeing parked up dumpers and assorted other plant.
ECC stop keeping saying sorry and start getting something done to get this road works finished!!
[quote][p][bold]howironic[/bold] wrote: One point I think is being missed is the request from Tesco. They asked for work to commence from 11pm, which is after they shut, how about sticking two fingers up at Tesco and starting it after rush hour finishes, say 8pm.[/p][/quote]Plus the other point again not finished on time. Also these road works are at Tarpots which is in a residential area. The night work people wanted to see is on the main A13 and A130 outside the residential area. A lot more work during the day there would help instead of seeing parked up dumpers and assorted other plant. ECC stop keeping saying sorry and start getting something done to get this road works finished!! John T Pharro

3:54pm Mon 2 Jul 12

bob7 says...

I live on the race track that is London Road so have had plenty of noise from car stereos in cars stuck in the traffic and idiots hooting. That has been far more disturbing during the day than the overnight resurfacing and weeks of widening that have gone on. I can honestly say I haven't lost a wink of sleep at night or during the day when I've been in bed after night shifts. Tarpots will be finished soon so the noise there will stop, we will still have the race track.
I live on the race track that is London Road so have had plenty of noise from car stereos in cars stuck in the traffic and idiots hooting. That has been far more disturbing during the day than the overnight resurfacing and weeks of widening that have gone on. I can honestly say I haven't lost a wink of sleep at night or during the day when I've been in bed after night shifts. Tarpots will be finished soon so the noise there will stop, we will still have the race track. bob7

5:28pm Mon 2 Jul 12

Brunning999 says...

Will it or won't it be?

Finished?
Successful?
Will it or won't it be? Finished? Successful? Brunning999

6:44pm Mon 2 Jul 12

Last Poster says...

PJR121 wrote:
I love how - on the Sadler's Farm stories - people complain that the contractors are not working overnight.

THIS IS WHY!

Dammed if they do, Dammed if they don't...
Totally with you on this. There are no winners in Britain! Especially when we play international football matches, and our non-British players play for their own country!
[quote][p][bold]PJR121[/bold] wrote: I love how - on the Sadler's Farm stories - people complain that the contractors are not working overnight. THIS IS WHY! Dammed if they do, Dammed if they don't...[/p][/quote]Totally with you on this. There are no winners in Britain! Especially when we play international football matches, and our non-British players play for their own country! Last Poster

7:59pm Mon 2 Jul 12

Fallguy9999 says...

Feeling usually sympathic with Mrs Stewart right up until the particully pathetic.........I MAY HAVE TO TAKE MY GRANDSON TO HOSPITAL comment.

Tell you what love, take him back to his parents instead. Problem solved.
CAN NOT BEAR PATHETIC WHINEY, OVER THE TOP MELODRAMTIC PEOPLE.........

Oh no quick get me to the hospital, feeling a bit stressed after all this irritation, it's me heart doc!!!!!
Feeling usually sympathic with Mrs Stewart right up until the particully pathetic.........I MAY HAVE TO TAKE MY GRANDSON TO HOSPITAL comment. Tell you what love, take him back to his parents instead. Problem solved. CAN NOT BEAR PATHETIC WHINEY, OVER THE TOP MELODRAMTIC PEOPLE......... Oh no quick get me to the hospital, feeling a bit stressed after all this irritation, it's me heart doc!!!!! Fallguy9999

9:00pm Mon 2 Jul 12

Dan_ says...

Insects. literally hundreds of insects have perished because of these road works. I for one am not prepared to stand by any longer and let it happen. Only yesterday I found an exhausted bee in my garden, I gave it sugar water and now thousands of its friends have arrived. Now I cannot go into my back garden for fear of disturbing my new residents. All because of these dam contractors. Cities bring the road through. With their internets, and their sms's, and tablet personal computers.Country boys liked Sadlers farm the way it was. Broken..., but ourrrr bbroken! Come on England, come on England!
Insects. literally hundreds of insects have perished because of these road works. I for one am not prepared to stand by any longer and let it happen. Only yesterday I found an exhausted bee in my garden, I gave it sugar water and now thousands of its friends have arrived. Now I cannot go into my back garden for fear of disturbing my new residents. All because of these dam contractors. Cities bring the road through. With their internets, and their sms's, and tablet personal computers.Country boys liked Sadlers farm the way it was. Broken..., but ourrrr bbroken! Come on England, come on England! Dan_

10:39pm Mon 2 Jul 12

whataday says...

Absolutely agree with John T Pharro, Grrrr and Howironic
Absolutely agree with John T Pharro, Grrrr and Howironic whataday

11:50pm Mon 2 Jul 12

whataday says...

Whilst we're on the subject of Tarpots I'd just like to draw drivers' attention to the fact that its becoming quite hazardous if you're driving from Benfleet High Road towards Tarpots as people are using the Tesco's Express as a new roundabout so they can get to Rushbottom Lane when they're coming from Hadleigh direction as they are no longer able to turn right. (There are no warning signs to say this has changed). This means they have to pull out into the middle lane so need to be particularly cautious here now.
Whilst we're on the subject of Tarpots I'd just like to draw drivers' attention to the fact that its becoming quite hazardous if you're driving from Benfleet High Road towards Tarpots as people are using the Tesco's Express as a new roundabout so they can get to Rushbottom Lane when they're coming from Hadleigh direction as they are no longer able to turn right. (There are no warning signs to say this has changed). This means they have to pull out into the middle lane so need to be particularly cautious here now. whataday

5:12am Tue 3 Jul 12

linbo says...

Yes Tarpots is abit of a hazard now. I live off rushbottom and noticed I couldnt turn right and had to pull in to tesco so I didnt have to go all the way round sadlers roundabout. I want to know why there is no right turn it seems crazy. I now go down manor way instead to avoid tarpots when ever I can. I am not sure all the roadworks are making it better or not, we shall see when it is complete. Shall we say in 6 months or so.
Yes Tarpots is abit of a hazard now. I live off rushbottom and noticed I couldnt turn right and had to pull in to tesco so I didnt have to go all the way round sadlers roundabout. I want to know why there is no right turn it seems crazy. I now go down manor way instead to avoid tarpots when ever I can. I am not sure all the roadworks are making it better or not, we shall see when it is complete. Shall we say in 6 months or so. linbo

10:21am Tue 3 Jul 12

PJR121 says...

John T Pharro wrote:
howironic wrote: One point I think is being missed is the request from Tesco. They asked for work to commence from 11pm, which is after they shut, how about sticking two fingers up at Tesco and starting it after rush hour finishes, say 8pm.
Plus the other point again not finished on time. Also these road works are at Tarpots which is in a residential area. The night work people wanted to see is on the main A13 and A130 outside the residential area. A lot more work during the day there would help instead of seeing parked up dumpers and assorted other plant. ECC stop keeping saying sorry and start getting something done to get this road works finished!!
Sorry John - residents of Ivy Road and Romsey Road in particular complained about the possibility of noise during the night at Sadlers Farm - hence why it wasn't considered...
[quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]howironic[/bold] wrote: One point I think is being missed is the request from Tesco. They asked for work to commence from 11pm, which is after they shut, how about sticking two fingers up at Tesco and starting it after rush hour finishes, say 8pm.[/p][/quote]Plus the other point again not finished on time. Also these road works are at Tarpots which is in a residential area. The night work people wanted to see is on the main A13 and A130 outside the residential area. A lot more work during the day there would help instead of seeing parked up dumpers and assorted other plant. ECC stop keeping saying sorry and start getting something done to get this road works finished!![/p][/quote]Sorry John - residents of Ivy Road and Romsey Road in particular complained about the possibility of noise during the night at Sadlers Farm - hence why it wasn't considered... PJR121

2:06pm Tue 3 Jul 12

whataday says...

Dpon't need the word "sleepless" in the headline
Dpon't need the word "sleepless" in the headline whataday

8:59am Wed 4 Jul 12

John T Pharro says...

PJR121 wrote:
John T Pharro wrote:
howironic wrote: One point I think is being missed is the request from Tesco. They asked for work to commence from 11pm, which is after they shut, how about sticking two fingers up at Tesco and starting it after rush hour finishes, say 8pm.
Plus the other point again not finished on time. Also these road works are at Tarpots which is in a residential area. The night work people wanted to see is on the main A13 and A130 outside the residential area. A lot more work during the day there would help instead of seeing parked up dumpers and assorted other plant. ECC stop keeping saying sorry and start getting something done to get this road works finished!!
Sorry John - residents of Ivy Road and Romsey Road in particular complained about the possibility of noise during the night at Sadlers Farm - hence why it wasn't considered...
I didn't know that, but I believe I read reports that some night work was done on the A13/A130.
Either way does not excuse the late start to accommodate Tesco nor yet another overrun does it?
[quote][p][bold]PJR121[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]howironic[/bold] wrote: One point I think is being missed is the request from Tesco. They asked for work to commence from 11pm, which is after they shut, how about sticking two fingers up at Tesco and starting it after rush hour finishes, say 8pm.[/p][/quote]Plus the other point again not finished on time. Also these road works are at Tarpots which is in a residential area. The night work people wanted to see is on the main A13 and A130 outside the residential area. A lot more work during the day there would help instead of seeing parked up dumpers and assorted other plant. ECC stop keeping saying sorry and start getting something done to get this road works finished!![/p][/quote]Sorry John - residents of Ivy Road and Romsey Road in particular complained about the possibility of noise during the night at Sadlers Farm - hence why it wasn't considered...[/p][/quote]I didn't know that, but I believe I read reports that some night work was done on the A13/A130. Either way does not excuse the late start to accommodate Tesco nor yet another overrun does it? John T Pharro

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