The middle of Latimer, between Rickmansworth and Chesham, will be closed to traffic from 8am to 6pm Monday (September 28) to Wednesday.

The 3.7-mile diversion will cause “gridlock”, according to villagers, because it sends drivers along the narrow, one-track Blackwell Hall Lane.

Blackwell Hall Lane (Image: Candice Adams)

Anna Clarke, who runs a reformer Pilates studio in the village, says she never drives down the lane because the lack of passing places and visibility is “so, so bad”.

Anna Clarke, who runs a reformer Pilates studio in the village (Image: Anna Clarke)

“I think it’s going to be a complete and utter nightmare,” she predicted. “They said it is not an issue because you can go down the diversion, but I don’t think they’ve done enough investigation to see that the diversion is acceptable.”

While Latimer is only a small village, Anna says it sees significant through traffic and motorists will often use it if other routes – including the M25 – are blocked or congested.

The closed section, shown in red (Image: One Network)

Candice Adams, who works in Rickmansworth and drives her children to school there, added: “I, as a resident, need to have access to work and my children’s school.

“A big, multi-million production from HBO shouldn’t be able to stop me getting to work.”

There are no bus stops or train stations within walking distance and the only alternative exit from the west side of closure is along northward on Church Lane. Drivers must take then Blackwell Hall Lane or travel more than a mile to Ley Hill or Flaunden before they can turn start heading in another direction.

One resident told the Watford Observer she will drive via Ley Hill and accept the extra distance, but fears those just passing through will just follow the diversion without realising how narrow it is and end up in “gridlock”.

Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council’s transport lead, highlighted the county’s “strong track record” of attracting film and TV productions that benefit local communities.

He said: “Buckinghamshire Council approved a temporary road closure for filming activity in Latimer following its usual notification, consultation and assessment processes.

A temporary car park has already been set up for the filming on a field in the village.

“The production company engaged with residents and local stakeholders throughout the planning process, and feedback helped shape measures to minimise disruption where reasonably practicable.

“The closure has been approved to ensure filming can take place safely. Diversion routes will be in place to maintain access for residents, and all concerns raised were considered as part of the assessment process.”

The production has not been officially confirmed as HBO’s Harry Potter TV series, but residents say the information they have been given matches up with the show. Filming for the show is based at Warner Bros.’ Leavesden Studios site.