Roadworks along one of Shrewsbury’s busiest roads are causing chaos with queues of up to a quarter-of-a-mile at peak times, it was claimed today.

Councillors and residents have hit out at the problems they claim are being caused by the Severn Trent scheme in Ellesmere Road. Temporary traffic lights have been installed along the busy route into the town while the work takes place.

But Councillor David Farmer and residents, including Russell Mulford, say it has caused major traffic problems.

Mr Mulford said: “Ellesmere Road is undoubtedly one of the busiest entrances to the town, particularly in the rush-hour, if not the busiest.

“The experience this week has been that the queue of traffic has extended out of the town beyond the work on the part of Ellesmere Road in the heart of Greenfields, so on occasion the traffic has been stuck through the traffic-lit area with the result there’s been a complete standstill and those going out of the town have had problems.”

Councillor Farmer, borough councillor for the Bagley ward, said he had not been informed that the work was due to be taking place in the area.

He said:”It’s causing absolute mayhem. Cars are going back at least a quarter of a mile up the Ellesmere Road.”

He also questioned why the lights were on at the weekends saying no work was taking place at this time.

A spokeswoman for Severn Trent said: “Severn Trent Water is currently undertaking works in Ellesmere Road to repair a collapsed sewer.

“These works are essential in order to prevent sewer flooding to a number of properties in the area.

“After excavating and examining the sewer it has been found to be a more complicated and larger job than anticipated, which is why the works are taking longer than originally estimated.

“We would like to apologise to road users for any delays or inconvenience our essential repair works may be causing.”

By John Kirk