Villagers of Farthinghoe are threatening to block residential streets after highways bosses announced the closure of the main road without diverting HGVs.

The village faces a five-week closure of the A422 to fix drainage. The official diversion to Banbury from Brackley is a 41-mile route via Towcester and Daventry. (They could save 20 miles by taking the A43 to Jn 10 of the M40 to Banbury but that is not the official advice)

Although the road closure has been agreed for some time, there have been no signs to give advance warning to HGV drivers. They face trying to drive through narrow residential streets or trying to turn around in the village.

Parish Council chairman Mick Morris said Farthinghoe had not been officially told about the A 422 until recently, though it was planned in April. He says bus services will be chaotic. The Banbury Guardian has asked Stagecoach how it will manage Brackley – Banbury services.

Chapel Street, one of the few routes in Farthinghoe avoiding the road closure

placeholder image — Chapel Street, one of the few routes in Farthinghoe avoiding the road closure

"There is a growing, strong feeling in the village to confront this but I hope it can be dealt with in an orderly manner,” he said.

“Residents may well try to block the exits from the A422 onto New Road and Queens Street which is being suggested by motorists as a way through on Facebook.

“It’s idle talk at the moment but frustrations will get high and who knows what will happen?”

“In October last year a senior officer of West Northants Council (WNC) said the days of bad communication from WNC Highways were over – well that was small talk,” he said.

Queen's Street, Farthinghoe - unsuitable for heavy traffic

"Based on past experience Stagecoach Banbury will learn about this after the work has started. The last time this happened a bus backed into a house while turning around.”

Mr Morris is angry that trucks and buses are being allowed to reach Farthinghoe before being turned around.

“No Farthinghoe roads, including the A422, are suitable for turning around HGVs. These vehicles should be stopped and turned around at the Brackley West roundabout or redirected to J10 of the M40 from the A43 Barley Mow roundabout.

“Using Queens Street and New Road being as a rat run is very dangerous on a normal weekday with drivers exceeding the speed limits.

Baker Street, Farthinghoe - one of the narrow streets where residents fear HGVs may try to divert

“With the A422 closed, narrow streets like Queens Street, Baker Street, Chapel Lane and New Road will be gridlocked.

“Senior WNC officers and contractors have been aware of the timing of this project for some time and history tells them that slack traffic management will result in considerable difficulty for motorists and residents.

“They also know that much of the heavy traffic is based outside this area and may not see local announcements.

“Much of the HGV traffic operates on a cyclical basis and signage placed strategically over the last few weeks would have allowed them to make alternative plans.

“Less than a week from closure I have entered Farthinghoe from the east and the west and see no advance warning signs. Why not?” he said.

WNC has been asked for comment.