Town councillors have criticised the "disgraceful" handling of an upcoming major road closure for HS2 works.

Cllr Adrian Marsh said he was "particularly disappointed" to learn of the near month-long closure of the Kenilworth Road in September, with the news effectively sprung on local councillors.

Cllr Marsh said HS2 had previously informed members there would be no upcoming works on the main route into the town - only for the rail developer to announce this week it will be shut 24 hours a day from Monday 2 September until Sunday 29 September.

"I am particularly disappointed in which Balfour Beatty [contractor] and their partners have handled this announcement," he said at this week's Kenilworth Town Council meeting.

"Having attended the most recent Warwickshire HS2 forum where I specifically asked were there any planned closures for the A429, I was told 'no there weren't'. 

"The only disruption being considered was when the new bridge alignment would be tied in. 

"I am minded to say that this is an absolutely disgraceful handling of community relations by a major organisation."

In its announcement HS2 said the September closure is the first phase for the works to install the new bridge over the line.

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Contractors will be relocating multiple sets of utilities to the new road alignment and building the embankments around the new bridge.

"It compounds some of the issues related to road disruption within the town," Cllr Marsh continued. 

"It is another example of the callous disregard of the local community and it appears to be - unless I am incorrect - no attempt to advise those who are part of liaison groups, or give advance warning to local representatives."

Councillors agreed to ask the developers why they were not given proper notice of the announcement, and will also flag the issue to local MP Sir Jeremy Wright.

Cllr Zoe Leventhal added: "It is totally unacceptable to be told one thing and then to be told another on such an important issue. 

"As councillors get increasing letters of complaints about road closures and congestion and speeding, they are only made worse if we don't know in advance."