VIDEO: Controversy over road closures as 5,000 flock to gipsy funeral for pastor Davey Jones

The crowd took to a field in Hobnock Road in Essington for the funeral of pastor Davey Jones, who died this month at the age of 61, causing gridlock

After the funeral service, the grievers took part in the procession which started from a field off Hobnock Road to Walsall Crematorium via Burnsips Road and Broad Lane.

Police closed the roads for 'safety grounds' from 1pm until 3.45pm. Officers had expected 1,500 people to take part following discussions with organisers on Friday.

But locals have claimed they were given 'little notice' of the expected disruption.

Councillor David Clifft said: "The roads in Essington have been gridlocked all day. There were cars parked everywhere - it was total chaos.

"Villagers have not been able to use the normal roads and have had to find other ways to get about.

"I was contacted by police on Friday and then obviously could get no details over the weekend.

"I think it is totally unacceptable to have such little notice. I don't level any blame at the gipsy community at all - there has been a total lack of communication from the police."

Staffordshire Police spokeswoman Hazel Dockery said the sheer number of people attending the funeral and procession led to police taking action on the roads.

She said: "We have set temporary road closures throughout the afternoon on safety grounds because we did not expect the sheer number of people to turn up as expected.

"Initially we were expecting around 1,500 people to come along but we understand there were about 5,000 people

"When there are this number of people we have to consider road closures because of the safety aspect involved."

Mr Jones was the pastor of a Trinity Methodist Church in Union Street Willenhall and was the founder member and president of religious group Light and Life Missions UK.

The group is dedicated to supporting the lives of travellers and runs more than a dozen churches across the UK.

Friends say Mr Jones was originally from Darlington before moving to the West Midlands later in his life. He has been the pastor of the Willenhall church for more than 30 years.

Throughout his life he helped thousands of people across the world through his love of Christianity.

During the hour-long funeral many of his close friends paid tribute including ones who travelled from as far as Holland. A marquee was put up and speeches were given on a stage. Staffordshire County Council said planning permission was not required for marquee.

People left their cars on verge of Hobnock Road.

Close friend Aaron Sheldon, 31, who attends the Willenhall church, said: "The thousands of people here just goes to show what he meant to people.

"He was a brilliant man who gave so many people light and humour. No matter where he or they was he would always be there for them."

Floral tributes from heartbroken friends and family were also laid out on the field paying tribute to his life.

One of the tributes read: "To Uncle Davey. You run the race and fought a good fight. Now you are at home with the Lord. God bless you.

"I thank the Lord for you, you brought us the Lord. Praise Jesus for you."