DISRUPTION to traffic is on the way in Hitchin. Extensive works to repair the road surface and improve pedestrian facilities on the A505 Bedford Road are scheduled to start next Monday, January 11. They are expected to take up to 13 weeks to complete and

DISRUPTION to traffic is on the way in Hitchin.

Extensive works to repair the road surface and improve pedestrian facilities on the A505 Bedford Road are scheduled to start next Monday, January 11.

They are expected to take up to 13 weeks to complete and the county councillor in charge of highways predicted: "With works of this scale some disruption is inevitable, but we will try to keep this to a minimum."

Cllr Stuart Pile added: "By combining a wide range of works we can keep costs down as well as minimise disruption to road users and residents.

"In order to complete the works as quickly as possible, the work will be carried out during the day, at weekends and on the occasional night."

The improvements to be done in stages include resurfacing the road, replacing pavements, putting in a new pedestrian crossing and bus stop, improving street lighting and upgrading existing pedestrian crossings. Diversions will be in place at times.

Hertfordshire Highways is warning local people to be wary of doorstep conmen posing as council contractors while the works are going on. Genuine highways contractors do not call on householders with offers to tarmac driveways or do other work with materials 'left over' from roadworks, said a spokesman.

Also from next Monday, Hertfordshire Highways expect to start work on a raft of safety and other improvements in Ickleford.

It will consist of:

* A new raised zebra crossing to replace the existing uncontrolled crossing on Arlesey Road outside Ickleford Primary school

* Speed cushions on Arlesey Road and Turnpike Lane

* Flat-top road humps on Turnpike Lane

* Upgraded street lighting on Arlesey Road and Turnpike Lane

* Vehicle activated speed sign on Bedford Road (A600)

* Dropped kerbs on Bedford Road (A600) near its junction with Ryder Avenue to help pedestrians cross the road

* New village gateway signs at entrances to Ickleford

It is due to take six weeks and some disruption and inconvenience is expected.

Turnpike Lane will be closed from February 1 to 7, and a diversion will be in place along Arlesey Road, Old Hale Way into Hitchin, along Bearton Road and up Bedford Road (A600) and vice versa.

A section of Arlesey Road will be closed from February 8 - 21. A diversion will be in place via Turnpike Lane, along the A600 Bedford Road, A6001 Hitchin Road, A507 Arlesey Road, Hitchin Road, Stotfold Road, Arlesey New Road, Arslesey Road and vice versa.