ROADWORKS in Burnham caused ‘traffic chaos’ for residents as UK Power Networks repaired a faulty street light.

The work was being carried out on Southminster Road, near the junction with Marsh Road.

Residents were angry that temporary traffic lights were causing traffic nightmares over the weekend and into the start of this week, while no work was being carried out.

One resident said: “These roadworks have been in place for five days now, but there is nobody working down here.

“The road is being blocked, there are temporary traffic lights in place and it is causing traffic chaos. Around the rush hour in particular is absolutely awful down there.”

UK Power Networks, who were carrying out the repair work, apologised for any inconvenience caused to residents.

They said the work was completed the same day the temporary traffic lights were put in place.

This angered residents.

One said: “If it was completed that day, why couldn’t they have taken them away that day, or the day after, or the day after that. Why were they left for five days to cause problems for us residents?

“It is all very well having the permit, but if you can finish the work earlier and reduce the disruption to us, why not do that?”

UK Power Networks said they had a permit to work on the site until the Thursday, six days after the temporary traffic lights were initially put in place.

A spokesman said: “We always strive to minimise disruption and work as quickly as is safely possible.

“Our engineers started repairing a faulty streetlight in Southminster Road and that repair was completed the same day. Our contractors then attended as quickly as they could to backfill and resurface the road.

“All work including site set-up, excavation, electrical repair, resurfacing and site clearance was completed by the end of August 15, two days ahead of schedule in terms of the permit from the council.”