Roadworks cause chaos in Cannock

Commuters endured delays of up to 45 minutes today as roadworks caused chaos on a busy stretch of road leading into Cannock.

Tailbacks and traffic jams built up as work by the National Grid continued on the A460 Wolverhampton Road to connect a newly-built house to mains gas.

The work, which began yesterday, has seen a ditch dug at Wedges Mill, in Saredon, which cuts into part of the road.

Temporary traffic lights have also been set up to regulate traffic.

Commuters have complained that the timing of the lights had lengthened delays, by allowing only a handful of cars through at a time, but the National Grid insists they are working correctly.

The work is expected to be completed later today but the misery for drivers appears set to continue for at least one more day as the traffic lights are unlikely to be removed until Friday.

Receptionist Jean Jowett, aged 62, of Fordhouses, near Wolverhampton, spent an extra 30 minutes queuing in traffic this morning as she tried to get into Cannock.

She said: "There were huge tailbacks this morning but only a few cars going the other way. The traffic lights were only letting about two cars through every couple of minutes.

"I dread to think if people had started out later, how late they would have been."

National Grid spokesman Jane Taylor insisted that the issue of timing of the lights had been raised with the project manager but no faults had been reported.

Instead it was believed delays were being caused by impatient drivers 'jumping' red lights.

She said: "If people jump them on red it delays the traffic coming from the other direction."

District Councillor for Cheslyn Hay North and Saredon, Nigel Caine, has urged drivers to have patience while the work is being carried out.