THERE has been a mixed reaction to the closure of the Central Line's Hainault loop for engineering work during the half-term holidays.

The shutdown, which began today and lasts until November 4, will see no services on weekdays between Grange Hill and Newbury Park and at weekends between Woodford and Leytonstone.

Replacement bus services will be laid on while tracks, drainage, points and crossings are replaced.

Transport for London (TfL) claims closing the loop during half term will speed up the work, saving more than £2million by avoiding a string of individual weekend closures.

But mum-of-two Angela Deviana, of Sunnymede Drive, Barkingside, is unhappy she has had to alter her plans to take her children on outings.

The 36-year-old said: "There is never a good time to close the line, I appreciate that, but this isn't the time to close it - especially when the weather is so bad and we want to get out of the house.

"It is a shame and disgusting that the closure is coming at a cost to parents and other people."

John Sharrock of community group Barkingside 21 agrees the closure will cause widespread disruption.

He said: "I can only think that people will have to allow time during their day to get to work and back to adjust to the inconvenience.

"For any one who works up in the City it must a be a nightmare. I sympathise with people who rely on using it."

Shopkeeper Gary Diamond, who owns Toyology in Barkingside High Street, said businesses were unlikely to be affected by the closure as he believes most customers travel to the area by car.

"Anything that stops people coming in to town would affect business, but I shouldn't think we will notice that much difference," he added.

Sunny Singh of Duke Road welcomed the closure as he claims his street is usually clogged up by commuters parking their cars.

The 28-year-old said: "They park their cars anywhere they like. I would say the majority of people who use that station live in surrounding areas and drive in.

"I welcome the closure and the break in commuters."

George McInulty, London Underground Programme Director of Infrastructure, said: "This upgrade work is essential to make the Central line as reliable and as safe as possible.

"We apologise to anyone affected by this closure but carrying the work out during the quieter school holiday period is by far the least disruptive way to do this." .

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