Brentwood town centre ground to a halt when roadworks to install new sewer pipes moved to Ongar Road causing massive tailbacks on Monday morning.

Motorists were caught up in chaotic scenes as the road's unexpected closure to northbound traffic trying to access the North Service Road from Wilson's Corner resulted in rush hour mayhem.

Drivers blamed "inadaquate" diversion signs which meant many were unaware of the changes resulting in a gridlocked centre throughout the day.

Work on the £280,000 Thames Water scheme, which involves the laying of 390 metres of sewers along Ongar Road, Ingrave Road and the High Street, started last month.

Despite earlier warnings of delays, drivers trying to access North Service Road claimed diversions signs were inadequate. They were forced to negoiate along the High Street, Weald Road, Western Road and down into Ongar Road to gain entry into both the public car park and Sainsbury's.

One motorist said: "I wish there had been more warning. I only came from Mountnessing, but it took me an hour and 15 minutes on Monday morning.

"Obviously I knew they were doing the road works as I come this way every day. But I think there could have been a bit more communication, maybe a sign up on Friday saying the works were going to start, so at least then people could have left earlier."

Another, Brian Smith, who was half an hour late dropping his daughter off at school, was also angry over the lack of information.

"They have shown a very poor attitude. If they knew a sequence of work was taking place the public, as users of the service, should have been told of the proper dates. There was a complete lack of information."

David Marchant, Brentwood Borough Council's director of technical and contract services, who was late for work himself, was optimistic the problems would clear.

He said: "Whenever a traffic diversion is put in, it is the the first day which is invariably worse.

"This was part of the reason for the pre- publicity in the council's newspaper, for inviting residents on the diversion route and of making businesses aware the work is taking place.

"There was also advance signing to warn people about the difficulties taking place,

"Thames Water is carrying out a particularly difficult job in a very congested part of town but the benefits which it will bring are huge.

"The diversion is signed, and experience always shows that people often drive past signs because it is the way they always go. But once people become aware of problems things should quieten down. I have to say it could have been a lot worse."

Thames Water spokesman Andrew Boyd was apologetic about the problems.

"We have not received any complaints about tailbacks, but we are in the process of installing more signs. We are sorry if there have been any traffic problems and hope that by putting up the extra signs any problems will be sorted out," he said.

"If anyone has any further concerns they should ring us on 0845 4200 800 reference number BB433939."

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