TRADERS, residents and motorists are bracing themselves for a two-week closure of one of Potters Bar’s main thoroughfares.

Work to repair sections of Darkes Lane begins tomorrow (Saturday) and won’t be completed until Friday, February 26.

But shopkeepers and businesses on the road have accused Hertfordshire Highways of “underhand” tactics in getting the work agreed without properly consulting them.

Work was originally due to begin on Monday, February 15, and last just five days. But at a public meeting with Hertfordshire Highways last month, it was revealed the work would go on for two weeks instead of one.

“It’s all been done in a very underhand way,” said Chris Piercey, owner of Elaine’s Stationers. “They keep moving the goalposts.

“There are a few things that weren’t mentioned at that meeting – such as closing parking spaces outside shops for drainage works.”

County councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for highways and transport, said: “Following discussions with local shop owners and councillors, we are starting the work a couple of days earlier than originally proposed and have changed the order in which the work will be done to try to minimise disruption.

“As originally planned, we are staggering the road closures so that residents can still access local shops. However, these are major works so some disruption is inevitable.”

Work will be undertaken in two phases. The first will be between the junctions of Manor Road and The Avenue, from 8am to 5pm.

Work starts on Saturday and is due to be complete by next Friday.

The second phase will be between The Avenue and the junction of Mountway and Church Road, from Monday, February 22 until Friday, February 26.

Road closures will be in place from 9.30am to 4.30pm.