RESIDENTS on a housing estate who have complained over their water pressure for years have welcomed works to fix it.

Anglian Water is installing 570 metres of new piping for the Nine Acres Estate in Tiptree.

The works come after residents on the estate have complained about water pressure in the homes since 2019.

Factory Hill closed for the works on January 4 for 39 days, however, Anglian Water has said it is working quickly in an effort to end the closure sooner.

Many who live in the village and its surrounding areas have complained at the disruption caused by the road closure and its diversion route.

Tolleshunt Knights resident Bob Hillen had said his trips into Tiptree would take more than 20 miles longer than usual with the ten mile diversion in place.

In his support, a fellow Tolleshunt Knights resident said: “What should have happened was that the water supply should have been fixed before groundworks were commenced on the Nine Acres housing estate built for Crest Nicholson

“Remedial work...should take place at almost zero inconvenience to existing residents and certainly not one that needs a 25 mile journey, which some folk will need to make several times a day, to cover a normal return journey of 2.4 miles.”

The pensioner says he and his wife have had to drive “at least 21 miles” and “40 minutes each way” just to do their weekly shop.

However, some residents on the Nine Acres estate, who have called for something to be done about water pressure problems for more than two years, have welcomed the works.

Charlie Garnish lives on the Nine Acres Estate and told the BBC: “All the roadworks... they are a big pain but for us on the estate it really is bad so any solution is a solution.”

Explaining the length of the diversion route, Essex Highways has said it is required to choose roads of a similar or higher classification to the road closing.

Anglian Water has said there is no way to carry out the “much-needed” works without the road closure and has thanked residents for their patience.