CONFUSING roadworks signs are being blamed for misleading dozens of motorists into thinking they can still access Boscombe via Ashley Road as traffic chaos in the area continues.

The railway bridge at Ashley Road will be closed for the next nine weeks while Network Rail replaces it.

People can still drive up Ashley Road to homes or shops but it cannot be used to get into Boscombe.

But motorists have been seen driving down Ashley Road before realising there is no way through and then turning down Grantham Road, which is a dead end.

It has resulted in several cars at a time collecting at the end of Grantham Road all trying to do three-point turns.

Cy Quick, resident of Ashley Road, said: “What it needs is the diversion sign to be moved to where it can’t be confused with an invitation to go down Ashley Road.”

Motorist Gareth Ayles, 40, was among several who mistakenly turned down Grantham Road yesterday.

He said: “Everyone is misunderstanding the signs. There are well over 10 cars stuck down there.”

Steve Kent, chairman of Boscombe Traders Association, described the signage as “a total mess”.

Mum Sarah Campbell, 45, of South Road, said: “It’s absolute chaos. Nobody knows where to go. I have not been to Boscombe for a week.”

Kim Dunn, 35, who runs Sections Hair and Nails in Ashley Road, said: “There’s going to be a really bad accident. Cars are still coming up here even though they shouldn’t do.”

Dad Derek McGrath, 41, of St Swithuns Road, said he and daughter Savanna, eight, have to walk into the path of cars while negotiating traffic cones on their way to Kings Park Primary School.

There were also claims that some parents had been driving the wrong way up part of Kings Park Central Drive to the school.

Tanya Bunting, head teacher at Kings Park Primary, said she had not heard anything about it but added: “The school is working with the community, local authority and contractors to ensure the health and safety of everybody within the community.”

Bournemouth Borough Council said it had publicised the closure of the bridge extensively.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said it would expect to see “uncertainty among motorists” at first.

He added: “If the signage isn’t working we will continue to liaise with the council to see what we can do to improve that.”

We're asking for your help in mapping the Ashley Road roadworks, diverted bus routes and traffic flow. Click here to add information.