AN EMERGENCY town centre road closure in Rayleigh has triggered a series of diversions and changes for major bus routes.

Crown Hill, in Rayleigh, has been closed and will remain closed until March 6, for emergency works.

This involves emergency utility repair and maintenance works.

The repair work commenced on Thursday and is currently scheduled to be completed on Wednesday, March 6.

Crown Hill, Rayleigh is an access road to Rayleigh Train Station; the closure of this road has disrupted travel in and around the area.

First Bus say the following diversions/temporary shuttle services have been implemented to ease delays to services:

- Service 3: Rayleigh train Station will be served. Service 3 will divert (in both directions) via London Road (A129), A1245, A127 and A129. The following bus stops will not be served: The Weir, Great Wheatley Road, The Paul Pry, The Library, High Street, Bull Lane, Websters Way and Eastwood Road.

- Service 20: Service 20 will commence/terminate journeys at Rayleigh High Street bus stop until further notice and will not serve Rayleigh Train Station (in both directions). A temporary shuttle service is currently operating between Hullbridge and Rayleigh Train Station and will serve the following bus stops: Railway Station, The Travellers Joy, Cheapside East, Deepdene Avenue, Brooklyn Drive, Hullbridge Road, Rawreth Lane, Lubards Farm, Goldsmith Drive, High Elms Park, Coventry Corner, High Elms Road, Ambleside Gardens, Riverside School and The Anchor.

- Service 25: Service 25 will divert (in both directions) via London Road (A129), A1245, A127 and A129. Rayleigh Train Station will be served. All stops served, however, there will likely be delays to service due to the length of the diversion.

- Service 625, 725, 825: Services 625-725-825 will divert (in both directions) via London Road (A129), A1245, A127 and A129. Rayleigh Train Station will be served. All stops served, however, there will likely be delays to service due to the length of the diversion.

- Service X30: The X30 service will not serve Rayleigh Train Station (in both directions). The X30 service will divert (in both directions) via London Road (A129), A1245, A127 and A129.