MEDIA RELEASE
Issued: February 23, 2016
Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing “to put pressure” on Highways England over M11 screening
Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing has vowed to continue to put pressure on Highways England to install screening alongside the M11 at Fiddlers Hamlet.
It follows the removal of vegetation and mature trees as part of M11 improvement work which was carried out without any notification to nearby residents.
Highways England say the work includes reconstructing the motorway embankment at Fiddlers Hamlet, near the M25 interchange at junction 6.
To enable access to a temporary works compound alongside the M11 some vegetation and mature trees, which form a screen between the road and nearby homes, has been removed.
In a letter to Mrs Laing, Catherine Brookes, regional director (network delivery and development) with Highways England, said: “Initially we had not planned to write to all households in Fiddlers Hamlet about our work as they were not directly affected by our road closures.
"After further consideration they were included as their properties back onto the affected area.
“However, and regrettably, our contractors failed to deliver any of the planned information letters and we only learned of this error when a resident contacted the local press.
“I would like to apologise to you and all the residents of Fiddlers Hamlet for our failure.”
She added that all residents have now been notified of the work and Highways England was looking to see what short and long-term screening can be provided once the work is finished.
Mrs Laing said: “I was extremely concerned when local residents told me what had happened and I have been in touch with Highways England about the situation.
“I will continue to put pressure on Highways England to replace the necessary screening which is required to protect the residents from the noise of traffic using the M11.”
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