Local man furious as 'half of village' to be forced on 10-mile diversion

People in a Norfolk village will be forced on a 10-mile diversion through three neighbouring villages just to get to the shop, doctor's office and playground this week.

Around 475 yards of Station Road in Watlington will be dug up today, closing the road and sending motorists through Runcton Holme, Stowbridge and Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalen to reach the community's amenities.

Edward Travers, 41, who lives in Watlington, is angered by the extent of the disruption.

Motorists will be sent through three neighbouring villages just to reach the other end of the road (Image: One.network)

"This will affect more than half of the village's residents," he said. "It has not been thought through properly.

"People living on the train station side will have to take a 10-mile diversion to get to the A10 which will add about another 15 minutes just to go what is effectively only two miles away.

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"It will also affect the school busses as they start their run from the station but they won't be able to pick up children from the other side of the closure and get them to school on time."

Anglian Water is undertaking the work, which will be to provide a new connection in the area.

According to Mr Travers, who works in maintenance, similar works were carried out several years ago which affected up to 300 homes in the area.

It is not the first time Watlington has been affected by such closures (Image: Google Maps)

He added: "It is said to last three days which is way over the top for such a small job."

"There is no need to close the road completely when they could put up temporary traffic lights.

"I have to travel to various sites so this closure will definitely affect my getting to work."

Anglian Water has been approached for comment.