WORK to bring state of the art fibre internet to south Essex should be taking place 24 hours a day, a councillor has claimed to ensure it is complete as soon as possible.

CityFibre has started works to carry out the multi-million pound works in Rochford.

As a result of the start of the works, Sutton Road will be closed for around two weeks.

The works have caused mass delays, with some residents’ ten-minute journeys taking close to an hour and a half, as they drive through Rochford, as well as on roads surrounding the A127 in Southend.

Southend councillor Kevin Buck has suggested crews work around the clock until the maintenance is finished.

Mr Buck, who represents Prittlewell and is Conservative spokesman for transport and infrastructure, said: “Although it’s a minor road in some sense, it’s a very busy and heavily-used road.

“To close it completely was always going to have an impact on localised traffic. I’ve had calls from several residents asking me what is wrong with it.

“I understand work needs to be done, but If I had the chance to do something about it I would’ve spoken to the contractor to ensure there was work on the road around the clock where possible, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to minimise the impact on residents.

“The large volume of work is on the pavement not the highway itself, those works could be closed in the morning so the road can be open for use in the day, then closed at night.”

CityFibre bosses have insisted they are working as fast as possible; however, work is not set to be complete until mid-February.

Mr Buck added: “It is having a knock-on effect to both Cuckoo Corner and Rochford.

“If you’re having an issue back at Cuckoo Corner, because of the closed road, it almost goes full circle to the Ann Boleyn.

“The impact is multiplied by the fact that the two ends of the road aren’t that far away from each other.”

Speaking previously, CityFibre’s area manager for Rochford and Rayleigh Jean Gowin said: “We want to reassure residents that we’re committed to managing any disruption as best we can and will complete these essential infrastructure works as quickly as possible.

“We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and can confirm that these particular works on Sutton Road are on track for completion in mid-February.”