Warwick's MP has thrown his support behind locals in Hatton as they face nearly a year of disruption and queues through the village centre.

Matt Western has called on Warwickshire County Council to listen to residents, and not force the lengthy roadworks along Birmingham Road on them.

Locals protested outside a public meeting on Friday (October 13) as they face 11 months of traffic lights and delays as works to create a new junction for the Union View housing estate get underway this month.

The project will "enable safe access" into the new development being built by Taylor Wimpey.

Residents - who have long since protested the new 150-house estate - have already labelled the works a "disaster" especially given they are now expected to cost three times more than originally planned.

And speaking in support of them, the MP for Warwick and Leamington said: "It is clear these roadworks will cause significant, long-term disruption to residents in Hatton who will face massive traffic delays to their everyday lives.   

"I have shared residents' concerns since these plans were first approved in 2018. Too many housing developments are being built without the necessary infrastructure to accompany them – roads, schools, GPs, community centres etc.

Matt Western has called on Warwickshire County Council to listen to locals in Hatton (image supplied)

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"They are not optional, they are essential. It is time we told developers you are only welcome to build housing here if you commit to these things too. 

"I urge Warwickshire County Council and the developers to fully consider the points raised by residents and not force them to live with this huge disruption for almost a year." 

The county council held a public meeting with developer Taylor Wimpey on Friday to update locals on the plans for the months ahead.

Cllr Jan Matecki, portfolio holder for transport and planning, said: "The works are essential to ensure the safety of residents and commuters but wherever we can, we will be listening and doing our very best to keep the disruption to a minimum."

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey Midlands said: "We remain committed to engaging with the local community to keep everyone informed and are inviting residents to join us at the drop-in event to find out more about the plans.

"We would like to thank the residents of Hatton and surrounding areas for their patience during this time and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused."