CALLS have been made for a council to investigate how diversion routes are decided after residents were hit by traffic chaos.

In November, week-long works to resurface a pothole-riddled stretch of the A120 were stopped after just two days due to complaints about the alternative route.

Cars and lorries were forced to drive between Ramsey and Horsley Cross as part of an official diversion.

Then, days before Christmas, drivers had to follow an emergency diversion after a three-car smash closed the A120 for more than three hours.

Drivers criticised the route which saw them have to pass through Ramsey village.

At a meeting of Harwich Town Council, residents called on the council to request and contribute to an updated emergency plan for crashes.

They said it would benefit Harwich and other nearby local communities.

Councillor Robert Day said: “The emergency plan is for dire emergency. If there is an accident on the A120, it is a minor inconvenience.”

Councillor Garry Calver said: “I am not suggesting we are in any way responsible, but I do think it is worthwhile seeing if we can investigate who comes up with diversions and how.”

The council resolved that the Environment and Community Committee would send a letter to the appropriate agencies.