ROADWORKS causing irritation to traders, shoppers and residents in Stanford-le-Hope are to be extended after unforeseen complications.

Yesterday (Wednesday, 22 April) Thurrock Nub News reported on the suspension of parking bays on the town's High Street to allow the Cadent gas company to carry out connecting a new supply to nearby flats.

The excavations by engineers and closed bays have hit businesses which include several food outlets, a supermarket and other services. However, the disruption was supposed to end tomorrow (Friday, 24 April).

But the works will now run into at least Tuesday next week after Cadent dug their hole, only to find unanticipated problems with concrete encountered in the excavations.

Cadent's work on London Road was also flawed and overran.

The incident has echoes of Cadent's significant and long-running closure of London Road in the town which was ultimately cut short after the company ran into unexpected problems with the pipe layout and sub structure. At some point they will return to finish the job off - causing more disruption.

Stanford West ward councillor Neil Speight said: "You have to wonder what sort of due diligence Cadent put into their planning of works. I am sure they are embarrassed but that's little compensation to locals in Stanford who have recently suffered blight after blight of road and pavement works around the town - many of which were regarded as unnecessary and unwanted.

Bernard Cribbins had a huge hit with his comic song about a holen in the ground, but Stanford residents and traders don't find their High Street hole funny!

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"Reminds me a bit of Bernard Cribbins and digging that hole..."