A GAS firm has apologised after a letter “sent in error” sparked fears eight weeks of roadworks would take place as children returned to school.

Dozens of residents living along Shipwrights Drive, Thundersley, received letters from Cadent last week stating that roadworks would take place throughout September and October.

Works have been taking place throughout the summer holidays but the letter sparked fears it would cause problems for parents once children returned to the King John School next week.

However, Cadent has confirmed this was sent by mistake and the firm is now restoring the road before returning during half-term to complete the work.

Andrew Sheldon, Essex County Council councillor responsible for South Benfleet, said: “The letter caused unnecessary concern and I am pleased that Cadent have corrected their mistake.

“Cadent told me last week they are behind with the works but not by eight weeks.

“They have agreed to restore the road and come back during the half-term holidays to finish.

“They are experiencing some delays reinstating the road because of the depth of the trench and the amount of services they have come across.”

Despite the letter error, reinstatement works “may continue for a number of days into the school term”, Mr Sheldon states.

He added: “This is very frustrating for residents and will cause disruption.

“However, they have agreed to maintain one lane of access into Shipwrights Drive from Benfleet Road from 7am to 7pm every day to ensure access is maintained for school pick-ups and drop-offs until the reinstatement is complete.

“I will keep residents updated with when the reinstatement will be done and I will be on at them every day until it is.”

The gas works began during the school summer holidays.

A spokesman for Cadent added: “We apologise for the letter that was sent to around 30 properties along Shipwrights Drive, Benfleet in error, explaining that we had an eight-week extension to our works. This is not the case.

“We have since sent a letter to all the residents who received the first letter explaining the mistake. For this, we are sorry.”