Concern has been expressed over major subsidence along a new bypass.

There have now been four landslips in the same section of the £12 million Little Clacton bypass in just over two weeks.

Temporary concrete safety barriers have been put up on the new bypass, which has only been open for five years.

An assurance has been given there is no danger to motorists.

Roy Smith, Tendring and county councillor, who spearheaded the new bypass, said it was vital to get to the bottom of what had sparked the landslips as soon as possible before further damage was caused.

It is believed the problem has been caused by the current spate of wet weather.

On Monday exploratory work began to establish how much water is in the ground.

A firm of specialists has been bought in drill 15 metre-deep bore holes.

Traffic was reduced to single lane only and overtaking banned while the work is being carried out.

A 50mph speed limit was also imposed and will remain after the exploratory work.

Highways spokesman Bob Wiltshire said it was not known how long the restriction would be in place until the cause of the slippages has been established.

Initially there was one slippage, then two within a couple of days and now four, each within 450 metres of each other, in the section between the Bowling Green pub and the bridge at the Weeley end of the bypass.

Councillor Ron Williams, cabinet member for strategic planning and transportation, said there was an urgent need to find out what was happening under the road.

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