Lorry drivers are being forced to knock on doors and ask residents to move their cars because of a “poorly planned” diversion.

A 66m stretch of Kings Road, in Halstead, has been closed by UK Power Networks since July 19 because of cable repair works.

Essex County Council granted a permit for the diversion, but articulated lorries delivering to nearby Lidl are struggling to use the route because of parked cars.

Drivers must now travel down New Street, turn left into Mitchell Avenue, make a left again on to Kings Road and then a right on to Factory Lane West to deliver goods.

Dave Shaw, a Mitchell Road resident, said: “How can those who should know better inflict problems on to the local community in Halstead?

“The diversion set up by UK Power Networks is totally inadequate.

“Because of the parking on the corners of New Road and opposite the junction with Mitchell Avenue the articulated lorries cannot get through.

“They then spend time and loads of energy trying to find out whose car is parked in the way and all the time this is happening the fridge motors are roaring away.”

Mr Shaw complained to Essex County Council and was told it is the responsibility of UK Power Networks to ensure diversions are safe and cause minimal disruption.

But the authority issued the company with a licence to close the road and conducted a site visit before declaring the route safe.

Mr Shaw added: “Do those in charge look or think of what happens when you send HGVs down inadequate roads?

“Do they not think of public safety as to get these vehicles down New Road at times these vehicles are on the pavement?

“Essex Council stated it was up to the company to ensure safe access and egress on the surrounding roads.

“They have put the public at risk because they have not looked at the whole picture.”

Work is scheduled for up to 21 days, however it was estimated to be completed on Wednesday.

A spokesman for UK Power Networks said: “Engineers have been working as quickly and safely as possible to complete essential repair work on an underground cable in Kings Road which powers the local area.

“We appreciate the impact this road closure is having and apologise for the inconvenience caused.

“We have a permit to complete this work by this Friday, but we want to clear the site and reopen the road sooner if possible.”

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “The works along Kings Road are emergency short-notice works being carried out by UK Power Networks, to fix a fault.

“UKPN put traffic management on site using a professional traffic management company and they provided us with a suitable diversion route given the nature of the area and the short notice of the work.

“If we are informed of particular issues with diversion routes, we can carry out inspections and recommend adjustments if an alternative is available.”

The road reopened at around 2.45pm on Thursday.