A VITAL road though the centre of Halstead is still closed but it is hoped the road will reopen before the weekend after a large pothole formed on the street yesterday.

The mini-roundabout connecting Head Street, Colchester Road and Sudbury Road was closed yesterday afternoon

Emergency roadworks are being conducted after a resurfaced trench in the street began to sink and form a massive pothole.

Witnesses have said an inspector from Essex Highways visited the site and deemed the pothole to be unsafe, sparking emergency repairs.

Workers have been resurfacing the trench again as traffic is diverted in the town causing long delays.

It has taken some drivers hours to make their way from one side of the town to another with traffic even being effected in nearby villages.

The trench was originally dug during roadworks by UK Power Networks on August 30 which also caused traffic havoc.

Unfortunately, according to an Essex County Council traffic map, the works could last until Monday.

However, reports from business owners near the site say the resurfacing work has been completed, although the road remains closed.

UK Power Networks have also confirmed they aim to have roadworks finished before the weekend.

A UK Power Networks spokesman said: "Head Street in Halstead is currently closed for resurfacing, following earlier essential electrical repair work.

"The road was temporarily resurfaced last month and we are now undertaking permanent resurfacing.

"We have a permit for this work until Monday, but our team will work quickly and safely, aiming to reopen the road before the weekend.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

A spokesman for Essex Highways added: The work at the mini-roundabout at Head Street and Colchester Road is emergency work by UK Power Network.

"Essex Highways is aware traffic is moving slowly through the area."

The roadworks have cause disruption for many drivers as well as nearby businesses..

Oswicks Property Professionals is based opposite the works on Head Street.

Philip Woolston from Oswicks said: "It's been a nightmare trying to get in and out of Halstead. From about five until eight, even all the local villages were jammed up.

"Yesterday was the fist we'd heard about it. An inspector was parked up all day and she inspected the pothole and deemed it to be dangerous.

"In the previous works from a few weeks ago, they dug up the road but didn't finish it properly.

"It was a poor job by the contractors but Highways have been working hard to sort it."

Neil Hardy, owner of the nearby Hardy's Menswear shop, added: ""It's certainly disrupted business. The traffic is chaotic.

"It seems like a necessary operation and it probably has to be done.

"There is no good time for it but it has been disruptive."

The road closure has also once again sparked calls from some residents for a Halstead bypass.

While a bypass could be a distant prospect, it is hoped there will be plans in the future to divert lorries and HGV's away from Halstead with a new strategic route.