Residents frustrated as more roadworks begin

Residents have expressed their anger at "constant" roadworks in a town, as another project gets under way.

A scheme to upgrade underground pipes to ensure gas flows safely and reliably to homes and businesses in Marlborough, Wiltshire, is set to last until the start of July.

It comes after a full road closure for work on the A346, an eight-week project to improve walking and cycling, and a study which revealed the town's "volatile" traffic required intervention.

Gary Farrow, who lives in the town, said: "I think people are avoiding Marlborough... there's always something on."

The latest £40,000 project to upgrade gas pipes is being carried out by Wales and West Utilities.

Gary Farrow said trying to drive and park in Marlborough was "atrocious" because of frequent roadworks

For the duration of the work, multi-way traffic lights will be in place in the New Road area of the town.

Motorists are also advised to allow extra travel time to follow diversions ahead of a road closure on The Parade between 16-27 June.

Mick Gallavin, the project manager, said work would be carried out "as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum."

But business owners in the town have expressed concerns about the frequency of roadworks in the town.

Carly Johnson and Lisa Foster co-own Peacock and Lily in Marlborough

Lisa Foster, who co-owns the home and garden shop Peacock and Lily, said she saw fewer customers when other traffic measures were in place.

She believes it would be better to implement closures overnight.

Similarly, John Joel, from Marlborough Bike Company, said previous roadworks had a "huge" impact on his business, with many customers choosing to shop online rather than in store in a bid to avoid traffic.

Traffic measures will be in place on New Road in Marlborough until July

Vanya Body, who lives in the town, said locals "constantly" discussed roadworks on social media, with many choosing to avoid Marlborough when they were in place.

"It does put me off if I know they're there.

"If I know on a busy day that I'm going to have to queue for 15 or 20 minutes to get into town then I won't bother," she said.

Mr Gallavin, the project's manager, said the latest works were essential.

"We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future," he added.