THE council's planning boss has dispelled residents' fears that the sudden closure of a North Ascot road for emergency repairs will "throw a spanner in the works".

Fernbank Road shut on Monday so Thames Water can deal with subsidence in the road which will need thorough investigation to find the cause.

The full road closure - from the Audley Way junction to the LVS Ascot rear entrance - has been put in place indefinitely as the timescale cannot be decided until the work begins, though Thames Water have estimated it could last for up to six weeks. 

Diversions are in place following the same route as the current Priory Road closure.

However, disgruntled drivers have taken to social media to voice their concerns at the repair work, as nearby Long Hill Road and Priory Road in Chavey Down will also be inaccessible until February 21.

Commenting on the Bracknell News' Facebook page, Finsthwaite Jones, wrote: "Closing a very busy road in an area where two other through routes are also closed shows an incredible lack of common sense on someone's part! Just hope they'll be around to sort out the ensuing chaos."

Resident Richard Gallagher added: "That subsidence started while they were still on site repairing the last subsidence, which happens every couple of years at that spot. Hopefully they can sort it out once and for all. So Fernbank, Priory Road and the A322 at Coral Reef (will be closed) for the foreseeable future - joy."

Executive member for planning at Bracknell Forest Council, Cllr Chris Turrell, said: "It is not great timing but the reason is because it is an emergency which needs to be done.

"There are two diversionary routes both of which are signed and the officers will be strengthening the signage in terms of making it clearer and working with Thames Water to make sure residents are properly informed.

"They will need to open up the road to work out what is down there and what is in fact causing the problem and until they do that we won't have any idea of the precise length of the road closure.

"At present we think it will last up to six weeks.

"Obviously if it something that can be dealt with in a short period of time then that's fine.

"It is frustrating and inconvenient but we have to make sure that the utilities can get on with the work. When we have things like gas mains and water, if there is a problem then it has to be dealt with straight away so we avoid a more serious issue in the future." 

He confirmed that the council has made efforts to "track down" all bus companies who travel down the route are aware of the closure.

Bracknell Forest Council’s Highway Network team has worked on signal timings in the area to manage traffic as efficiently as possible.

For any queries or concerns relating to the work, call Thames Water customer services on 0800 316 9800.