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BUSINESS owners have said long-term roadworks which are not due to finish for another two months have been “a nightmare” and are running their trade into the ground.
The works in Mile End Road were started earlier this month by Cadent, who are replacing 550m of ageing pipes which supply gas to 110 properties.
But the project has been causing havoc for residents, drivers and businesses in nearby Bergholt Road, where traffic has ground to a halt because of a series of diversions.
Stephen Pitt, who runs the Dental Studio in Bergholt Road, said patients have been struggling to make their appointments because of the traffic congestion.
He said: “The works have had a huge effect on patients arriving.
“Patients have been up to 40 minutes late, which then has a knock-on effect for everyone else.
“We’ve had people who are stuck in traffic and cancelling their appointments.
“People have called in today to cancel because they don’t want to go through the traffic.
“We are losing business, which is really hard at the moment with the price of everything increasing.
“It’s one extra headache and it’s frustrating when it could’ve been avoided.”
The Mayne Veterinary Clinic, also in Bergholt Road, has experienced similar problems.
Veterinary surgeon and director, Keith Mayne, said: “Fundamentally we have been affected.
“There’s been a lot of disruption for us.
“I fully appreciate the need for infrastructure and change but the knock-on effect has been bad, especially in the last couple of weeks.
“It’s been a nightmare for clients – they’ve been stressed about getting here with their pets.
“Last week the waste collection couldn’t access our drive because the traffic is blocking access to the clinic.”
The works are not due to be completed until July.
A spokesman for Cadent said the new pipes will “futureproof” the network and that they are regularly keeping Essex Highways updated about their progress.
He said: “We worked closely with the local highways agency to establish a diversion route which keeps traffic flowing throughout the area, and this is in place for the duration of the gas mains replacement work which is due to be completed by Friday 4th July.
“We are very conscious of the disruption roadworks cause and will remain in regular contact with the highways authority to keep them updated on our work which we will always complete as quickly and as safely as we can.
“We hope people understand this is necessary and essential work, to ensure everyone’s safety and maintain a reliable gas supply.”
Essex County Council was contacted for comment.
