Residents are getting “angrier” and fear a serious accident will happen because of a nearby road closure.

People living in Oxford Street in Watford are “fed-up” by the number of lorries and other vehicles using their street while Vicarage Road is shut.

Vicarage Road is closed both ways near the Watford FC stadium because of sewer repair work being carried out by Thames Water.

The work began on July 7 and is not due to finish until July 29.

Watford Observer: Vicarage Road is shut both ways between Oxford Street and Occupation Road until July 29Vicarage Road is shut both ways between Oxford Street and Occupation Road until July 29

When the work first began, people living and working in the area immediately raised concerns that vehicles, including huge lorries, were turning around outside their property – but also that some drivers were using Oxford Street as a way of bypassing the closure.

Hertfrodshire County Council agreed to install more signs but it appears many continue to ignore them – Vicarage ward Labour councillor Sara-Jane Trebar has described the signage as “terrible”.

Watford Observer: A lorry heading into Oxford Street off Vicarage RoadA lorry heading into Oxford Street off Vicarage Road

Watford Observer: Drivers travelling from the direction of Watford General Hospital turning around because of the road closure. Credit: WatfordLondonDrivers travelling from the direction of Watford General Hospital turning around because of the road closure. Credit: WatfordLondon

Cllr Trebar, who lives in the affected area, has also shared concerns about Oxford Street.

She said: “I have had many residents understandably angry that their road is being used as a diversion, resulting in large amounts of traffic on a quiet street.

“They are worried about an accident as vehicles are driving very quickly in an area where children play on the streets.

“Also, because the signs are so bad, we have seen many vans, trucks, buses and even lorries trying unsuccessfully to use the roads behind Vicarage Road as a cut through.”

Watford Observer: A lorry in Oxford StreetA lorry in Oxford Street

Cllr Trebar added: “Myself and county councillor Nigel Bell have been out every day since the works started trying to sort the problem out but what we need are sufficient, clear signs.

“Six days later, residents are fed-up and waiting for action before a serious accident happens. These roadworks may continue for a further two weeks but this situation cannot.”

They are calling for the council to put in signs that say Oxford Street can only be used by residents or for access only.

Watford Observer: Vehicles queuing into Vicarage Road from Farraline Road as a lorry attempts to turn around at the road closureVehicles queuing into Vicarage Road from Farraline Road as a lorry attempts to turn around at the road closure

A council spokesperson responded: “The issue with motorists using Oxford Street has arisen from drivers ignoring the diversion signs, so we would urge them to follow the recommended route to reduce the disruption to residents.”

The council added it has asked Thames Water to begin the road closure at Farraline Road rather than in Vicarage Road.

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