'Gridlock' as roadworks cause major disruption

The bridge over the River Chelt is believed to have been designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the engineer who designed the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Roadworks along a key route have been causing major disruption as narrow roads have been blocked by traffic.

Work on the A40 Hambrook Bridge on London Road in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham was due to be completed in December but has now been pushed back to spring.

Shop owner Nicola Little said the project has seriously impacted her business as she has lost passing trade, she added: "We've been here 25 years, and we've not ever had to deal with anything like this. It's a shock."

Gloucestershire County Council's councillor Joe Harris, cabinet member for highways, said they are committed to completing the works as quickly as possible.

Ms Little said the roadworks are "frustrating"

Councillor Harris said that the bridge had underlying problems and the council needed to deploy a specialist to help preserve the bridge's heritage.

Ms Little, who owns East End Stores, added the works felt "isolating", "frustrating" and "upsetting".

Resident Lisa Hunter said Charlton Kings is "gridlocked with traffic" and big trucks and vehicles have been blocking the narrow diversion routes.

Other people told the BBC that there had been damage to vehicles including parked cars, with one van driver reversing into a bollard after being pushed back by an oncoming bus.

Richard Bamber has owned café Roasted in Charlton Kings for 17 years, and said the work has "hit us really badly".

"It's very, very quiet. At this sort of time we normally fill the place up, but it's affected us quite a lot," Mr Bamber said.

The delays mean that the road will remain fully closed during the November meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse, a time when there is more traffic in the area.

Councillor Harris said he has worked to improve signage to prevent vehicles making dangerous manoeuvres during the "huge project", which is costing about £1m.