THE plan to close Hatfield Tunnel for two years came under scrutiny last night as councillors demanded answers. As the WHT has previously reported the Highways Agency wants to close the northbound A1(M) tunnel from July 2009 until May 2010, with the

THE plan to close Hatfield Tunnel for two years came under scrutiny last night as councillors demanded answers.

As the WHT has previously reported the Highways Agency wants to close the northbound A1(M) tunnel from July 2009 until May 2010, with the southbound tunnel then closed until April 2011, so refurbishment work could be carried out.

But at last night's Welwyn Hatfield highways joint members' panel councillors were concerned about the congestion on surrounding roads that would be caused by the closure.

Councillor Mandy Perkins told the WHT there was no way plans could be stopped, but said borough and county councillors were extremely concerned.

She said: "Even now when there is an accident on the A1(M) other routes get backed up, so we're very concerned about the impact of this and we'd like to know more."

Councillors have asked for answers to be ready for their next meeting in January.