MAJOR concerns have been raised that lorries forced off the A120 for resurfacing work could cause damage to village roads and even homes.

The A120 between Ramsey and Horsley Cross is set to be closed overnight from 8pm until 6am between August 17 and 27 while vital resurfacing work is carried out.

Traffic is set to be diverted to the north of the road, funnelled large vehicles including lorries travelling to and from the port through rural villages while work takes place.

Great Oakley Parish Council has written to the Highways England to object to the diversions.

In the letter, clerk Jayne Bootyman said: "We would like to register our objection to this ludicrous proposal in the strongest possible terms.

"It is inevitable that a proportion of the diverted traffic will attempt to by-pass the closure via the lanes through our villages which, like those in the villages to the north, are entirely unsuitable for HGV’s and high volumes of traffic."

A Highways England spokesman said: "While we appreciate the inconvenience and concerns from local residents, the diversion is the most appropriate and has been agreed with Essex County Council. During the work we will be using a split diversion route to try to avoid lorries passing one another."