ROADWORKS are set to cause disruptions for residents as a company promises it aims to speed up its work.

Anglian Water is set to close Factory Hill in Tiptree for 39 days from January 4 to install a "much-needed" new water pipeline.

The company has sent letters out to residents saying it will aim to complete works as soon as possible.

An Anglian Water spokesman said: "We know this work is going to be disruptive for residents, businesses and road users so we have increased our resource and will be working at weekends to speed it up.

"We aim to be complete within 4 weeks but as with any engineering scheme there is always the potential for unforeseen delays."

Residents from surrounding villages such as Tolleshunt D'Arcy and Tolleshunt Knights making journeys in and out of Tiptree have said this is set to cause them severe delays.

Writing to the Standard, Tolleshunt Knights resident Bob Hillen said: "Going to get provisions and medical from Tiptree - a journey of 1.2 miles there and back - will now result, according to diversions, in a trip of 25 miles...so much for air pollution.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: A map of the diversion set out for the Factory Hill road closureA map of the diversion set out for the Factory Hill road closure

"The diversion is on narrow roads likely to be icy and ungritted throughout January and very dangerous."

Anglian Water is collaborating with Hedingham Bus Service to provide residents access into Tiptree.

To view the schedule of these services visit hedinghamandchambers.co.uk or call 03301 020801.