People living around a Buckinghamshire village have experienced “absolute chaos” as filming believed to be for the new Harry Potter series closed roads for three days.
Residents of Langley village in Buckinghamshire were notified in September that Plum Jam Productions, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery, would be filming a major HBO series in the village from 28 to 30 September under the project name Apollo.
While the production has not been confirmed as HBO’s Harry Potter, local news reported that residents believed information they have received matches up with that of the show.
Roads were closed and all routes into the village centre were closed from 8am on Monday til 6pm on Wednesday, forcing those in the area to take lengthy diversions.
Residents were reportedly told that the production company would come on Monday to “dress the set” and position period vehicles. Those living near the village green had to park on a field elsewhere, the BBC reported, while some were paid for the use of their driveways.
Traffic was diverted along Blackwell Hall Lane as all routes into Latimer were closed for filming, although residents warned that the narrow road was unfit to act as a diversion route.
One resident on social media posted on Tuesday: “I have just spent the past 3 hours clearing Blackwell Hall Lane by Latimer Road of trapped traffic. It is not a viable diversion route around Chesham and should be avoided at all costs. Already two vehicles damaged by lorries this morning.”
He added that the filming had caused “absolute chaos on local back routes with no sensible diversion and will remain in place until the weekend. The constant stream of roadworks in Chesham is also adding to the problem with many drivers trying to avoid the long delays.”
Julia Jenkin, who has lived on the Parkfield Latimer estate since the 1980s, told the BBC she had used Blackwell Hall Lane only once because it was so difficult to navigate.
“I'm not saying I can't go out, but I don't think anyone who wants to go out will go down that lane. I've done it once in my life and I will never do it again," she said. "It's gridlock basically.”
Candice Adams, who also lives on the estate, told the BBC that residents had felt ignored by the authorities and the production company.
"They had no concern for how we were going to get in and out. They were only worried about their production over those three days," she said. "We are taxpaying residents and our access has been cut off... I do feel like we've all been left in the lurch.”
She added that filming had made it difficult for her to get to work because her usual route passed through Latimer.
"The people who live in the bottom of the village have all been paid out, so they're OK and they can park and they can come and go, but we're completely landlocked if those lanes are blocked."
Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "Buckinghamshire has a strong track record of attracting film and TV productions, which bring economic benefits to local communities.
"Buckinghamshire Council approved a temporary road closure for filming activity in Latimer following its usual notification, consultation and assessment processes. 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 Independent has contacted Warner Bros. Discovery for comment.
