East Surrey MP, Peter Ainsworth, has expressed dismay about the failure of Morrison Utility Services Ltd to consult or warn traders in Lingfield before undertaking major gas and road works in Lingfield.

 The works have caused severe disruption to traffic and a loss of income to local businesses. Many traders only received information afrom the contractor after the work had started.

 Mr Ainsworth said:

 “I am very concerned about the failure to communicate with local businesses on this issue. There seems to have been a sorry lack of coordination.  Everyone recognises that these works are essential, but they have contributed to a major loss of revenue at an already difficult time.”

 Mr Ainsworth has already made several representations to Surrey Highways and to Morrison, urging them to conduct the works in an efficient manner.

 Mr Ainsworth continued: “I am pleased to hear that Tandridge District Council have agreed to make space available in the Gun Pit Road car park for Morrison’s equipment, thus freeing space for shoppers to park in East Grinstead Road once the works there have finished. That is a help. But it would be an even bigger help if Morrison got on with the job. Last Saturday the whole village centre was rendered dysfunctional by major holes in the road, barriers and traffic lights, while two “workers” sat eating sandwiches and gassed with each other in a van. No wonder the whole process is expected to take up to 14 weeks. Get on with it!”

 Mr Ainsworth has written to Morrison, and to [Southern Energy] to stress the importance of completing these works as soon as possible for the economic welfare of local traders.