Fed-up families may sue over roadworks

The £12.3 million work to rip out Burnt Tree island, near Dudley, started last Monday causing delays and tailbacks every day.

Householders and motorists along the busy route today branded the past seven days "a nightmare".

And residents added they were now making preparations for a legal challenge.

Today there appeared to be a lull in jams during the morning peak hour after temporary traffic lights were removed.

The lights were cited as a key cause of the tailbacks which plagued the first days of the project.

Linda Jones, of New Birmingham Road, said the roadworks had affected her family badly.

The 57-year-old, who has two sons, Ryan, aged 16, and Robbie, aged 14, said: "We have a garage at the back, but last week we could not get access to it.

"It's been better the past few days, but when the children go back to school that is when we will really notice it.

"We have had letters from a couple of chartered surveyors offering their services to claim compensation and we have spoken to one of them."

Derbyshire-based Morgan and Co and William Ricketts, of Cardiff, are two firms which have sent out letters to households along New Birmingham Road and Birmingham Road and some residents have decide to take up the offer of legal representation.

Grandmother Doris Smith, aged 78, said she had not been out for more than a week.

Mrs Smith, of Birmingham Road, said: "I usually get the bus into Dudley for my shopping and my pension, but the buses are being held up by all the traffic.

"I've had letters offering help to claim compensation as well."

Paul Harwood, a 59-year-old warehouse worker from New Birmingham Road, said: "It's too early to tell how bad this will be."

"I've even thought about getting a scooter so I can escape the traffic."

Carol Willis, aged 54, of Birmingham Road, said she is constantly caught in traffic on her way to work at Wilkinsons, in Great Bridge.

"We don't get any updates on what is going on and when," she said.

"I can see why some people think they should have compensation." Julie Cornes, aged 42, of Clarence Street, Sedgley, said she had been caught in long queues when going to Toys R Us, at Oldbury, with four-year-old son Jack.

She said: "It's been a nightmare. We spent 20 minutes just sitting in traffic at the weekend."

Roy Taylor, aged 82, had driven his 81-year-old wife Gwendoline to Tesco from their home in Churns Hill Lane, Himley.

The hospital volunteer guide said: "I think it would be better if they just improved the island instead of all the hassle they are going to with these lights.

"At the moment it is taking us three quarters of an hour longer to get here through all the traffic."

Businesses in Tividale Road have already plead with the council to carry out the work instead because they say passing trade has fallen as drivers avoid the area.

They were optimistic for the past few months after they won a campaign to keep one lane of their road open while the revamp work takes place.

The next phase of work starts on Burnt Tree Road on Monday, with two-way temporary traffic lights in place.

Dudley Council spokesman Chris Howes said: "We apologise for any inconvenience but with all large-scale engineering works, the first few days are always difficult as motorists find alternative routes. We would ask motorists and residents to bear with us."

Tailbacks have built up along Duncan Edwards Way and Castle Gate since the project began last Monday.