Concern road closures will leave villagers trapped

The roads will be shut during the daylight hours for 12 days

There are concerns Cotswold residents face almost two weeks of being trapped by roadworks near their village.

Gloucestershire Highways is planning to close the roads around Elkstone between 07:00 and 19:00 every day so that carriageway resurfacing can take place. The closures are not expected to be in effect over the weekends.

Due to hot asphalt and large equipment being used, traffic will not be allowed to pass, including residents.

Joe Harris, Highways cabinet member, said the roads were regularly raised as an issue during his time as councillor: "This scheme is essential to deliver a high-quality, long-lasting surface rather than more patching."

Councillor Julia Judd has expressed her concerns about the plans: "It is not right that taxpayers are treated like this," she said.

"There appears to be no plan to allow a whole village, farms and a group of over 20 successful, independent businesses to function – how can people make plans if they can't get out?

"On paper they will be trapped during daylight hours.

"I hope that in reality that is not the case, but I have seen absolutely no evidence to support this conjecture, it is the most absurd situation."

Gloucestershire County Council acknowledged that this may cause inconveniences, but assured they "have planned the work so [they] can be in and out as quickly as possible".

Residents who usually park their cars along this road are urged to find alternative parking during the hours of the road closure. Cars may be towed out of the area if they obstruct the works.