RESIDENTS have raised concerns about a road closure, which could leave their village cut off for 14 weeks.

People living in Hallen were given the chance to talk to highways bosses about plans to close Hallen Road, the main through road in the village, to allow Network Rail to rebuild Blaise Bridge.

The £1.2 million worth of work, which is due to begin on Tuesday, May 5, is expected to last more than three months.

Residents have said during the road closure they will have to face almost a nine-mile detour to reach the nearest shops, schools and a doctors' surgery.

Sue Black, a Hallen resident, said: "Nobody was informed about this road closure, we only found out by chance but South Gloucestershire council had known since October.

"Emergency services are going to have to do a large detour. They have put on a shuttle bus but the timetable is difficult to understand."

Valerie Jelfs, another Hallen resident, said: "We feel totally let down by our local council.

"We still have to pay our council tax, they still take our money but this is what they do to us."

Network Rail and South Gloucestershire Council have organised a free shuttle bus for residents during the closure.

The shuttle bus will run from the King William IV pub, Hallen, to Cribbs Causeway, Monday to Saturdays starting at 9am and running every hour until 5pm.

Workers wanting to get into Bristol on the buses will have to change at Cribbs Causeway. A school bus service to Marlwood School will run as normal.

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesman said: "A drop-in event and public exhibition held in Hallen last week was well attended by local residents.

"The session was organised by Cllr Sheila Cook and officers from the council and representatives from Network Rail were present.

"The aim of the event was to give people a chance to find out more about Network Rail’s reconstruction works to Blaise bridge, which is due to close on May 5 while repairs are carried out.

"A number of points were raised and the council is working closely with Network Rail to address any concerns and minimise disruption to the village during this time.

"Residents were assured that road diversions will be in place and a free shuttle bus will be provided giving access to GP surgeries, and other services in Henbury. Primary school children travelling to Pilning School are not affected by the closure. All householders will be notified of the changes in due course."