DRIVERS are being warned of disruption as two months of lane closures and overnight roadworks begin outside a huge homes development.

The next phase of works in Ashingdon Road, Rochford, are set to begin today with lane closures and temporary traffic lights in place while teams widen the road and create a new access point to the 662-home site.

The work will see a new right-hand turn created, close to Holt Farm School, so residents can access the homes once they are fully constructed and sold.

A three-week overnight road closure will also be in force in Ashingdon Road, and a diversion put in place, however Roche South Tory councillor, Mike Steptoe, has said dates are yet to be finalised.

Mr Steptoe, said: “I am waiting for officer guidance on what is happening during the day, between the night road closures and how this is going to progress.

“This is going to be very complicated with the kids going to school and I am pushing for regular updates from the developer which I asked for with the Sutton Road closures.

“It won’t stop the works but it will enable people to plan and there will be a big impact on the people concerned, particularly people going to work and coming home late.

“Night workers and people who need to use those roads will be facing a lengthy diversion as the road network around Rochford is quite limited. It will cause an inconvenience to people.”

The work forms part of the Bloor Homes “King’s Hill” development of 662 homes.

Mr Steptoe added the overnight closure is expected to last for three weeks and will include the installation of a traffic island and a controlled crossing opposite the school, alongside the road widening.

“There has been work done but now it will continue to the other side of the road and that is what will necessitate a road closure,” he said.

“I hope that the overnight work will be done with sensitivity for the houses of people along Ashingdon Road and I believe these works will in total last until the kids are off for summer.”