Ongar residents look set for a winter of discontent as a water company's plans to close Ongar High Street will mean houses going without running water, major traffic diversions and a threat to local business.

Ongar Parish Council is in discussion with Three Valleys Water in an effort to try and minimise the disruption caused when work begins later this year bringing the High Street to a halt and forcing residents to boil drinking water.

But local businesses fear the water main replacement will hit them hard as customers are turned away from the High Street shops for several weeks while the work is carried out.

A parish council spokesman said: "Single alternate traffic flow is likely to be required for the duration of the works and full closure of the High Street is possible when the narrow way is reached."

Harold Wieland who owns Hockings Butchers shop in the narrowest stretch of the High Street said: "Obviously it will make a difference and presumably we will lose trade because of it. We had all this trouble with the High Street enhancement and everyone raises their concerns but in the end it doesn't make any difference."

The council is currently trying to arrange a meeting between Three Valleys, the local emergency services and other leading figures to discuss contingency plans.

But along with disruption to traffic and local businesses the work will also interrupt the town's water supply.

Paula Campbell from Three Valleys Water says the work, which has already begun elsewhere in the district and is due to hit North Weald this month, is vital to ensure the future quality of drinking water.

She added: "The work is part of a £19million programme to replace old water mains in the area. Some of the pipes are around 100 years old and have come to the end of their useful life.

Three Valleys' customer helpline is available to answer any queries 24hours a day by calling 01707 277229.

Published Thursday, August 7, 2003

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