TRAFFIC issues continue to pile up in Thurrock, with a number of major routes being blocked.

As well as the closure of Muckingford Road between Chadwell St Mary and Linford, and tonight's closure of the A13 near Orsett, residents in Purfleet are facing more traffic chaos following the closure of London Road.

The road, close to Purfleet rail station, has been closed by emergency works being carried out by UK Power Networks emergency works.

It has been closed today and has caused significant disruption, which seems set to continue, particularly for local bus services.

The Ensign Bus company has issued the following statement today: "Route 44 is on diversion between Stonehouse Roundabout and the Garrison.

"We have been told works near the station could take three days. We are unable to serve stops along London Road from Stonehouse Corner to the Garrison.

"Route 44S can still make it to and from Harris Riverside School. We have called the school and told them that the 44S will still serve the school, however, they need to ensure that all pupils catch this one to Grays as we will be running no other services along London Road for the duration of the closure.

"As for bus stop suspensions, due to lockdown and increased home working we have insufficient staff in the office to post notices to individual stops – can we leave this to the council to carry out on both routes please."

The company adds that route 32 will run as far as Lockyer Road then turn around and divert via Purfleet Bypass and Arterial Road to Garrison Estate then follow the normal line of route.

Thurrock Nub News has asked Thurrock Council to comment on the situation and the reaction to the closure.