Bread and Cheese Hill three months of works extended

Work began on Bread and Cheese Hill, in Benfleet, as part of a major project to replace 1930s era gas mains under the road to make them more resilient and prevent leaks.

Initially, the work was set to be completed in time for the start of school in September but it has been pushed back repeatedly.

Yesterday it was revealed the work has once again delayed and now will not be completed until October 24.

Andrew Sheldon, Essex County Council councillor responsible for South Benfleet, said: “Residents are utterly sick of this.

“These delays are impacting on people’s lives and Cadent have to get a handle on it.

“I have spoken with Cadent and made it clear they have to ensure their contractors are held to account for further delays.

“I know Cadent are having problems with contractors but it shouldn’t mean residents of Castle Point have to suffer.”

This comes after weeks of issues with the temporary lights on the hill which saw drivers forced to attempt to navigate the road by mounting the pavement to avoid crashes.

The faulty temporary traffic lights were later blamed on a resident tampering with them.

A spokesman for Cadent said: “Cadent fully appreciates how disruptive and frustrating these essential works can be to the public.

“We would like to thank the people of Benfleet and Canvey for their patience while we replace gas pipes that were installed in the 1930s.

“Our crews are working every available hour, and we are pleased to confirm that this work is due to be finished on October 24.

“With the gas pipes being nearly a century old, it is essential that we replace them to future proof our network and minimise the amount of repair work that we have to do in the area over the coming years.

“Keeping the people of Essex safe and warm in their homes is our number one priority.

“We would like to thank the people of Benfleet and Canvey Island again for the patience and co-operation during these essential works.”