Valley Hill, a major local road in Loughton which is a key strategic route in our area, has been closed since December 2, 2021. We are now being told that it is unlikely to be open until January 23 or 24.

For myself and other local residents this is simply unacceptable.

As one of the local councillors for the Loughton Roding Ward whose very narrow residential roads are bearing the brunt of this situation, I like others have found the whole situation not only frustrating but extremely annoying.

Our lives have been made unbearable with either constant speeding traffic, or the pollution of stationary traffic on a walking route to a large primary school.

Residents have found it very difficult to manoeuvre their cars without provoking hostile reactions from through drivers using the poorly planned diversion.

In my opinion the performance of Thames Water is, and continues to be, an absolute disgrace, Essex Highways do not appear to be much better. Three pertinent points are:

1. The quality of communication with residents and elected ward members by both parties has been extremely poor, in fact non-existent, unless actually chased for information (which I have continually done since early December).

2. As of the today (January 9) there is still no properly signed one way diversion route which is the cause of many of the hold ups.

3. Valley Hill and Loughton Way has had no bus service for weeks, namely the 167, which essentially has trapped a large group of elderly residents in their homes and no alternative shuttle service has been provided.

In May 2022 I will have completed 40 years in elected office (having been first elected in May 1982) and I can safely say this is one of the worst if not the worst situation I have had to deal with. I can not go out of my front door without being approached by angry and frustrated residents.

This situation has been dragging on for weeks. Thames Water and Essex Highways, both massive organisations, please sort it out!

Stephen Murray

Loughton Independent Councillor