A KEY borough link road is closed - for the second time this year - and motorists, residents remain in limbo about when it will reopen.

As reported on Thurrock Nub News yesterday (Sunday, 16 August), Stifford Hill between South Ockendon and North Stifford was closed by a burst water main.

It remain closed with no timeline yet for reopening. Earlier this year the same stretch of road was closed for a considerable time after a sewer failure on the nearby A13.

A similar, lengthy delay nowcseems possible.

Today (Monday, 17 August) a spokesperson for Essex & Suffolk Water said: "Our teams attended Stifford Hill in South Ockendon on Sunday morning following a burst water main which caused damage to the road.

"To ensure everyone's safety while assessments and repairs take place, a full road closure remains in place.

"We are working closely with our service partners and the local highways authority, who are carrying out further inspections to determine when the road will be able to reopen.

"At this stage we do not yet have a timeframe, but we will provide an update as soon as more information is available.

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"There is no impact to customer water supplies.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience and thank residents and road users for their patience while we work to restore the road safely."