"Essential" resurfacing work began this week on a busy stretch of road in Potters Bar.

The improvements to the A111 Southgate Road will affect the section between the A1000 High Street junction to the junction 24 roundabout on the M25.

Street lighting and electrical installation along the route began on Monday, with some lanes closed at off-peak times.

The resurfacing began on Monday, and is being carried out in seven phases over three weeks.

Mike Jarrett, Hertfordshire Highways district manager, said: "Southgate Road is in a poor state, so it is essential that we carry out this work to improve its condition for the benefit of all road users.

"It is also an extremely busy part of the road network, which means some disruption and inconvenience is unavoidable as it progresses.

"We have arranged to do all the resurfacing work at night to try to keep this to a minimum, and our staff will do all they can to accommodate the needs of residents and businesses."

A spokesman for Hertfordshire County Council said: "The noisiest operations will be carried out before midnight.

"Highways staff will do all they can to avoid inconvenience for residents, but unfortunately those who live within the areas being resurfaced will be temporarily unable to access their properties by car during working hours."

He added that bus services may be affected, and details of any changes will be posted at bus stops For more information about the scheme, contact Hertfordshire Highways on 01438 737320.

u For details of the seven phases of roadworks, go to times-series.co.uk