A major route used daily by people travelling between Long Eaton, Sawley, Castle Donington and the A50/M1 corridor could be closed for up to five months next year, sparking anger and confusion among local residents.
Developers behind a large new warehouse scheme on Netherfield Lane say Tamworth Road (B6540) may need to close from June to October 2026 while the road is raised to reduce flood risk and a new access road is built.
The B6540 is one of the few ways to cross the River Trent without using the motorway. A long-term closure would push thousands of drivers onto already busy routes including Junction 24 and 25 of the M1, the A50, the A453 and routes through Long Eaton town centre.
Residents say they were kept in the dark
People living in Sawley and Long Eaton say they received no clear warning that a full closure of this length was even being considered.
Newlands Development Ltd confirmed in an email that they had only recently “become aware” of the wider impact on surrounding areas and that they were “not yet ready” to release full details publicly.
Local councillors in both Derbyshire and Leicestershire also say the information did not reach them in time, despite the scale of the disruption.
Why people are worried
Residents have raised a long list of concerns in the last few days. These include:
School runs and education
Many families travel between Castle Donington, Shardlow and Long Eaton for school. A five-month closure during summer exam season could affect students taking GCSEs.
Buses and public transport
The Skylink service may need to divert via the M1, which would cut Sawley off from the route entirely.
The My15 airport service could face the same issue. No consultation with Trent Barton has taken place.
Daily commuting
Thousands use the B6540 for work trips to Derby, Nottingham and the M1. Drivers say the detour would add significant time to already busy journeys.
Impact on local businesses
Shops and cafés around Sawley and Trent Lock rely heavily on passing customers. Business owners say they fear a drop in trade during the closure.
Flooding worries
The area is a known flood plain. Raising the road could alter how water flows during heavy rainfall. Residents are asking whether this was fully considered when the planning application was approved.
Emergency access
Concerns have been raised about ambulances, police and fire services getting into Sawley quickly if the road is blocked for months.
Petition launched
A petition has now been launched by Councillor Paul Maginnis, calling on both Leicestershire County Council and Derbyshire County Council, along with Newlands Development Ltd, to look again at the plans and find a way to keep the road open while works take place.
The petition has gathered support quickly from residents across Sawley, Long Eaton, Castle Donington and Shardlow.
What happens next
Traffic management proposals have not yet been formally submitted, meaning the closure still needs approval from the relevant highways authorities.
More information is expected in the coming months as the developer finalises its construction plans.
You can sign the petition here: https://c.org/DQ8NXWkkWh