Concerns have been raised over a four-week road closure to allow essential repair work on a railway bridge over Mascalls Lane in Brentwood.

Owner of Tomlins Nursery, Neville Fisher, is upset that little advance warning has been given to businesses and residents in Mascalls Lane about the closure, which will come in to force on January 4.

Brentwood Borough Council acting on behalf of the county council has made the temporary order to allow the work to go ahead. Although the order will be in effect for 18 months the council is not expecting the closure to be in place for longer than four weeks.

Network Rail - which oversees the national rail infrastructure - said the project involved "essential maintenance work".

But, Mr Fisher said: "I can understand the work has to take place, but the residents and businesses effected should have been kept better informed. The closure and diversion will cause problems for a lot of people as the road is a well used one and is a main route for people who work in Brentwood and travel in via the A12 or M25.

"It will cost us some business but fortunately not a great amount. I'm grateful its happening in January and not over Christmas!"

The railway bridge is currently leaking water and needs to be strengthened. During the work the road surface will be taken up to allow workmen to re-enforce the bridge and waterproof it.

Chief engineer at Brentwood council Brian Lawrence said: "Network Rail is responsible for the work as they run the rail line it crosses and is responsible for informing people who live or work nearby. We will be contacting Network Rail to find out why this was not done."

The alternative route will be via the B186 Warley Road, Nags Head Lane, the A1023 Brook Street and London Road. The order will not effect vehicles being used by police, the ambulance service and fire brigade.

Published Thursday January 13, 2005

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