ROADWORKS in a south Essex town centre have sparked calls for action to reduce the pressure being placed on businesses, services and residents.
Mike Sutton, Lib Dem councillor for Wheatley, has urged Essex County Council to carry out an urgent review into how the impact of repeated roadworks in Rayleigh can be reduced following multiple complaints from frustrated residents.
Roadworks on the High Street have been being carried out by various utility firms in recent months, with road closures and traffic lights in place as a result.
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Mr Sutton said: “I’m hearing from residents and businesses every day about how difficult these roadworks have made life, and I share that frustration completely.
“Local shops, cafés and services are telling me they’re seeing a real drop in customers because people simply can’t get into the town.
“Some business owners have said this week is one of the worst they’ve seen in a long time.”
“Taxi drivers are also facing the impossible task of trying to complete short journeys that are now taking 40 minutes or more, which means fewer fares, delayed pick-ups, and a real hit to their income during already challenging times.”
As a result of the disruption, and numerous reports from residents, Mr Sutton has now written to Essex County Council calling for an urgent review into the situation.
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“What people cannot understand is why more works have gone ahead in almost the exact same spot only days after the last set,” he said.
“It feels avoidable, and I understand why so many are angry.
“I’ve asked Essex Highways for an urgent review of how this has been handled and what can be done immediately to ease the pressure on residents, businesses, and drivers.”
While gas, water, electricity, broadband and phone companies all have legal rights to access their underground equipment, it falls on Essex County Council’s highways department to decide which applications for works to approve or deny.
A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: "We understand residents' frustration with road works by utility companies on the High Street and will be responding in full to the concerns raised by Councillor Sutton."
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