A DECISION to send thousands of driver on a four mile detour during a six-week road closure has been branded “absolutely crazy”.

Northern Approach Road will be closed between the junctions of Nayland Road and Mill Road from Tuesday, September 23, to November 3.

The closure will allow the road to be connected to the new Northern Approach, which runs from the A12, in preparation for the park and ride.

Essex County Council will set up a diversion through Ivy Lodge Lane, Langham Lane, Severalls Lane and Mill Road.

Alternatives, including suspending the Nayland Road bus lane or opening part of United Way, have been ruled out.

Nigel Chapman, councillor for Fordham and Stour, said the diversion route is not suitable for a massive influx of traffic.

He said: “It’s a dreadful decision – absolutely crazy – and we haven’t been consulted at all.

For more, see Friday's Gazette