The chaos of diversions gone to villagers’ relief
5:30pm Tuesday 1st November 2011
DIVERSION signs causing pubs and shops to lose trade have been taken down days ahead of schedule.
Businesses in Fingringhoe and Rowhedge were left without customers after BT engineers re-routed traffic away from the villages.
The diversion was caused by work on overhead cables in Chappel Road, Fingringhoe.
Road closed signs and barriers blocking lanes were put up in Old Heath Road, Abbots Road and Mersea Road, on Monday, October 20.
A sign informed motorists work was likely to last until November 7, but the restrictions have been removed.
Christine Smith, owner of Fingringhoe Post Office, took action into her own hands when the diversion signs cut off her business.
She put a home-made sign telling people her shop was still open for business.
She said: “The chaos has gone and everything is back to normal. It was very difficult, especially for anyone trying to make deliveries in the village.
“I hope next time they do work they have a better plan.”
Jack Ruddock, 83, of Darcy Road, Rowhedge, has written to local authorities demanding an explanation.
He said: “The signs are down and the problem has gone, but I still want to know how that problem came about.”
Paul Hayward, BT spokesman, said they would respond to concerns over the traffic issues.
He said: “In due course, we will give a full update on the works carried out in that area.”
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