MOTORISTS fear planned gas main replacement works will cause "chaos" in Southend and increase traffic problems in the town.

National Grid will replace an ageing main in the Fairway, Leigh, with work starting within the next five weeks, but residents are yet to be sent letters informing them of the works.

The project is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 25, and should take about 18 weeks to complete, with road closures being put in place for the duration of the work.

Paul Hicks, the owner of Hicks Butchers, in Eastwood Rd North, will be affected by the work.

He said: “I know the work is necessary but it will cause utter chaos. We haven’t heard anything from National Grid and they are leaving it quite late.

“We have been here for 60 years and we are the only original shop and can’t remember the road being closed for this long.

“The road closure will definitely affect our business but there isn’t much we can do about it.”

A Leigh resident, who has lived in the area for more than 60 years is angry about the “secrecy” of the work.

He said: “My main concern is that people are in the dark. An old gas pipe has to be replaced due to its age. No problem, it has to be done, but why aren’t residents being told so they can make plans?

“A lot of elderly people live in the area and are reliant on various services for example care workers and the bus."

A spokesman for National Grid said: “This essential work will help ensure the local community keep on enjoying safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating.

“Letters informing residents of the work are due to go out soon and it’s planned to put up advance warning signs about the work early next month.

“The project has been discussed and agreed with the local authority and we will do all we can to deliver it with as little disruption as possible.

“A drop in information event is being planned for next month to enable people to find out more about the work, more details for this event will be announced soon.”

Stephen Aylen, councillor for Belfairs ward, said: “People are jumping the gun, it is all in hand and I am very happy how things are proceeding.

“There are too many rumours going around. An 18-inch gas main is being replaced, we have no option. It has to be done for safety reasons.

“The work will increase traffic flow by 10 times as well as causing gridlock traffic. That is why they are trying to get as much work done as possible during the school holidays but it will affect everyone in Southend.

“I would like to reassure residents that we are on top of it and myself and the other councillors in the ward are working hard to make sure it runs as smoothly as possible.”