FIVE months of roadworks are set to hit a major road in Southend, sparking fears residents and businesses will face severe disruption.

Cadent has announced a major upgrade of gas pipes along the length of Southchurch Road, kicking off on July 22 and lasting for 20 weeks.

As a result, a series of road closures will be in place manned by temporary traffic lights, but businesses fear it will cause major disruption “in the busiest time of the year”.

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Cadent has insisted it will do it all it can to minimise disruption.

Jan Howard, owner of Evie Bleu, a boutique in Southchurch Road, said: “I understand that the gas pipe replacements are essential works that need to be carried out.

“But, 20 weeks of road disruption and closures over the summer months, which is potentially our busiest period, will have a huge detrimental financial impact on my small business in a time that many small businesses are already struggling to survive.

“I have had to plan for this disruption ahead of time and have just launched our new website in the hope our loyal customers will still continue to shop with us whilst the disruptions are in place.”

Cadent say the scheme will involve the replacement of 1,500 metres of gas pipes under Southchurch Road.

Project Southchurch, a community organisation, also raised concerns. A spokesman said: “We were informed of the roadworks planned for Southchurch Road only 24 hours ago.

“We are obviously concerned about the distribution to residents within the work, but also for business with the inevitable loss of passing trade. We’ve reached out to Cadent to work with them and local traders to find a workable solution and requested they start discussions directly with us.”

The first three phases involve an eastbound rolling lane closure on Southchurch Road from the junction of Queensway and Southchurch Road to the junction of Christchurch Road.

Phases four to nine will see a westbound rolling lane closure on Southchurch Road from Tesco Express to the junction with Queensway.

A drop-in session will be held on July 11 at the Park Inn by Radisson Palace, Southend from 6