MAJOR works which could cause more than a year of disruption have been branded “unacceptable” by an MP after he grilled executives at Parliament.

Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois met with bosses of Cadent Gas this week to quiz them over resident’s frustrations at “long and delayed” roadworks.

However, following the meeting the MP has revealed that Cadent is planning major works in London Road, in both Wickford and Rayleigh, which he claims could lead to 72 weeks of roadworks.

According to Mr Francois, he viewed the plans for the gas work at the meeting and was told the work could take up to 72 weeks to complete in various stages.

It comes amid anger at Cadent Gas works on the A127 and Southend Road which caused disruption, while a 17-day closure of Essex Way, in Benfleet, is planned for next month for more gas works.

Mr Francois said: “The reason we brought Cadent in is their current roadworks have been taking far too long and we wished to discuss that with them.

“We looked at their plans and in London Road in Wickford and Rayleigh, it will take more than a year to carry out the roadworks which is simply far too long and unacceptable.

“Given this, we are following up with an in person meeting with the chief executive to discuss these proposals.”

During the Westminster meeting, Mr Francois told the firm his constituents are “fed up” with the “significant delays and constant digging up roads by utility and other companies including Cadent gas.”

Unrelated works in Hockley, carried out by CityFibre to install new broadband cables last year, saw the town branded “blockley” due to widespread roadworks and disruption.

Mr Francois said: “The cumulative effect of these planned works by Cadent on my constituents is unacceptable.”

Danielle Belton, Rayleigh Town Council leader said: “Rayleigh has suffered at the hand of roadworks. It has brought us to a standstill.

“All I want is good communication and good management, it is when they allow multiple sites to happen at once our towns become gridlocked.”

James Harrison, North London Network Director from Cadent said:  “We are always happy to discuss and explain our essential works we must complete throughout the country with any of our stakeholders. 
 

“We were pleased to have an opportunity recently, to discuss with Mark Francois about a number of specific projects in his constituency in Wickford and Hockley.

“Cadent is responsible for maintaining the gas network in Essex and has a gas pipe replacement programme in place to replace the old metal mains with new plastic polyethylene pipes.  We work closely with the local highways authorities and councils to ensure this work is completed safely and in co-ordination with other utilities as well.

“We are aware that some projects can be disruptive to communities and that is why we work with a number of organisations to plan the work and look at methods to minimise disruption.

“Following our meeting with Mr Francois we have promised to relook at three of our projects to see if there is anything we can do to reduce disruption of these projects.”