Gas workers at Sawbridgeworth housing development slam HGV drivers for ignoring 'Road closed' signs

Gas workers laying pipeworks for a new housing development in Sawbridgeworth are said to be frustrated that HGV drivers are ignoring road closure signs.

County, district and town councillor Eric Buckmaster reported last week that lorries were having to reverse along West Road after ignoring road closure signs, causing havoc and danger for residents.

The first phase of the 10-week closure ended last week. A second phase will see partial closure with signals for three weeks, before another two weeks of full closure.

Cllr Buckmaster said gas workers were unhappy with the HGV drivers and told him they would prefer closure during the second phase.

Residents were also asked to be considerate when parking, after the service road for Mandeville Primary was blocked, preventing deliveries and also emptying of the school's bins.

"It would be much appreciated by the school," said Cllr Buckmaster. "If waste cannot be collected it is a health hazard."

He said that he had asked the county council's network management team if it could produce a "more assertive" sign for the road closure as it appears a "'Road closed’ sign is apparently not clear enough for the drivers".

He added: "I've also informed both developers that the school is back and that they must put marshals back again at the junction.

"We must not have HGVs going through the school crossing patrol and then reversing. It is extremely dangerous."