Contractors apologise for disruption as key road into Woking Town Centre closes until mid-January
Local MP Will Forster has expressed his "anger and disappointment" in an open letter to Sir Robert McAlpine, who are carrying out the works.
A key road into Woking Town Centre is set to remain closed until mid-January, with the town's local MP saying that disruption has caused "significant harm" to the town.
Victoria Way has had to close because The Hilton Hotel requires repair, after panels on the building were left insecure by Storm Darragh.
In an open letter, Woking MP Will Forster said that the closure has dealt a "significant blow" to local businesses.
Mr Forster has also called for a "full, public explanation" about how the problems have happened, and how the Sir Robert McAlpine will prevent them happening in the future - alongside calling for confirmation of whether compensation will be provided to local businesses.
In a statement, Sir Robert McAlpine have apologised for the disruption and say that they're "committed to working through the Holiday period and during weekends" to ensure the necessary repairs are completed.
A spokesperson for the contractors said: "Further to the damage caused by Storm Darragh to a number of exterior rain screen panels on the hotel, Sir Robert McAlpine is working to secure the building.
“Victoria Way will need to remain closed until the works have been completed to ensure the safety of the residents, businesses and visitors of Woking. This is expected to last until mid-January and could be affected by adverse weather conditions.
“We understand the impact the closure of Victoria Way is causing on the town centre and residential road network at one of the busiest times of the year and apologise for the disruption. Our teams are committed to working through the Holiday period and during weekends to ensure the necessary repairs are completed without delay.”
The leader of Woking Borough Council, Councillor Anne-Marie Barker has also expressed her disappointment at the news:
""Sir Robert McAlpine has confirmed that further work is required to identify safety issues with the exterior cladding on the hotel building. In order to ensure public safety, Victoria Way will need to remain closed until mid-January.
"Whilst public safety is paramount, it is hugely disappointing news for Woking. We have already suffered years of delays due to issues with the hotel cladding. A further month of closures will cause inconvenience and delays to residents, businesses and visitors to Woking.
"I am in regular contact with the Victoria Square Woking Ltd team and we are both making it abundantly clear to SRM that we need this problem fixed quickly and that residents and businesses are kept up-to-date.”