BUSINESS owners in Grays have expressed their disappointment at the implementation of roadworks as Thurrock Council began work on the two way traffic system around the town centre.

Work started today (Thursday, 16 January) on the work, which centres on Orsett Road and contributory streets.

Some roads in the town centre were closed off, with owners and staff at some shops and restaurants turning up for work to find they couldn't get through or parked.

Some town centre residents have also expressed their disquiet at the way work - set to last for 11 weeks - has been scheduled.

And the council has been criticised for a lack of updated information.

One business owner on Orsett Road told Thurrock Nub News: "It was chaotic. We expected disruption but we were not told the rear of our premises would be blocked off and parking was almost impossible.

"We tried to contact the council and get some current information but the number on their website was unobtainable.

"This was just day one of what appears an ill-thought out scheme with a lack of consideration for people trying to make a living.

"God knows how or why it has to take 11 weeks. We all know Rome wasn't built in a day, but Grays isn't Rome and what they are doing isn't building the Circus Maximus. However, maybe it has been planned by clowns.

"No doubt we will still have to pay our rates, even though customers can't get to us.It would be nice to discuss some form of compensation but that's not going to happen."

The work in Grays, which includes removal if existing traffic lights and replacements- including temporary lights - is being carried out by local contractors Henderson and Taylor, the company responsible for the controversial, botched and still incomplete traffic lights installation at the junction of Buckingham Hill Road and Stanford Road.

Thurrock Council was asked to comment on the concerns raised but has yet to respond.

Grays Riverside ward councillors Martin Kerin, Jane Pothecary and Tony Fish issued the following statement: " Statement from Cllrs Kerin, Pothecary & Fish:

"The residents and businesses of Grays have waited a long, long time for these works to commence.

"It's concerning that, on day 1, we are hearing of the frustrations of local residents and businesses who rely on the road network of Grays.

"All we ask is that Thurrock Council gets its act together, and minimises the disruption felt by the community."