Welcome Wilson's Corner repair after escalation by Leader of the Council

Local Liberal Democrat councillors have welcomed proposed works to fix a sinkhole at a busy junction at Brentwood’s High Street.

Following prompt action by County Councillor and Leader of Brentwood Council, Barry Aspinell, works have begun from Essex Highways to secure the junction of Wilson’s Corner and 128 Ongar Road – a major junction in the town.

The work is expected to last up to a week, as contractors aim to fix a broken water main under the road, alongside long-standing problems with the road surface raised by Brentwood North and Brentwood West Councillors.

Brentwood North Councillor Steve Mayo welcomed the repairs but hoped contractors would be mindful of the effect on residents owing to diversions in the road, particularly in the Sawyers Hall Lane and Highland Avenue areas.

Brentwood West Councillor Sarah Cloke added that the incident showed the need for much-required lasting repairs.

She said: "I'm shocked that Essex County Council had classed this as repaired, as the pothole looks worse than ever. This needs a permanent fix - ECC needs to learn that a stitch in time saves nine."

The proposed works come as Councillor Aspinell, who represents Pilgrims Hatch and is the County Councillor for Brentwood North, announced a task force to address long-standing complaints about the poor state of Brentwood High Street, which he had raised with ECC.