ROAD works likely to bring major disruption to Eton have been attacked as rushed and unnecessary.

The claim was made at a meeting of Eton Town Council on Thursday. Some members complained they had been kept in the dark by the Royal Borough about the works which will cause disruption for six weeks in High Street and Keats Lane from January 14 to February 24.

A spokesman for the Royal Borough said in a statement this week: "The works include vital safety upgrades to the existing traffic signals as well as resurfacing of the road. There will be some disruption to local residents for which we apologise but maintaining and improving the safety of our roads is one of our key priorities and these improvements will bring real benefits to local residents."

A serious accident in November saw a cyclist air airlifted to hospital after being badly hurt in a collison with a lorry on the site - although it is understood she made a good recovery.

The announcement of the road works has not been linked with the accident but at the Town Council meeting concerns were expressed that the disruptive works could have been inspired by it.

Cllr Duncan Wood said they showed all the signs of being rushed, commenting: "It is too rushed. There is no desperate need to get this done. Things that are rushed never come out right."

Town councillors also felt the Royal Borough had failed to consult properly about the plans.

Cllr Peter Lawless said: "Our job is to look after our electors but we cannot do that if we are not told what is happening."

The work will be limited to Eton High Street for the first four weeks with three way temporary signals operating to keep the High Street/Keats Lane junction open.

But from February 11 for two weeks Keats Lane will be closed while work is concentrated there which will force major diversions.

The Royal Borough is insisting that it did keep the Town Council informed and that representatives had even met borough officers and the contractors on site.