Motorists face diversions as Essex County Council carries out a programme of resurfacing works.

The authority is planning night time closures of High Street, Ongar, in July, October and November.

Block paving and kerb repairs are planned for late July although specific dates have not yet been provided.

Road resurfacing work will take place on October 30 and 31 and November 3.

All the works and road closures will occur between 8pm and 5am.

An Essex County Council spokesman admitted the diversion “will cause severe disruption to road users and local businesses”, while the “night time works will also cause severe noise issues for residents”.

The planned diversion of approximately 23 miles of road will see traffic drive through Abridge, Loughton, Epping and North Weald causing a delay of at least 45 minutes.

A five-mile route around Ongar High Street can also be taken by many vehicles using Stondon Road, Mill Lane, The Street and the A414.