MORE than 200 people turned out at Chipping Village Hall for a meeting to hear how the main road from the village to Longridge will be closed.

The emergency meeting, called by Chipping Parish Council, was intended to inform local people of the temporary move, affecting Longridge Road between Hesketh Lane and Tile Kiln corner for essential work on water mains.

Traffic will be diverted through Walker Fold, Mitton and Hurst Green, adding 15 miles and 20 mi-nutes to journeys for eight weeks from March 17.

The Department of Work and Industry have stated that water quality is being affected by mineral deposits in the water mains, and they must be relined before 2010.

Residents complained that they had not been informed of the work, that it was badly organised, and that it would affect their livelihoods.

The meeting was atten-ded by representatives from Lancashire County Council, United Utilities and construction firm Balfour Beattie. But chair-man Graham Wilkinson said another meeting would have to be called to get specific answers.

I think we need to hold another meeting."