ROADWORKS have left motorists at a standstill and caused frustration in Highcliffe after more work in the village this week.

The four-way traffic lights on Lymington Road, Gordon Road and Waterford Road have been out of action since Monday, despite no signage warning motorists of the work.

Temporary lights have been in operation allowing traffic from one direction at a time as Bournemouth Water connect a property to the main supply.

This work has left long queues stretching on both sides of Lymington Road.

After substantial traffic congestion earlier in the week, the lights have been operated manually at peak times by a member of the team carrying out the work.

Despite this, queues have snaked through the village for most of the day.

Yesterday, a Bournemouth Water spokesperson, said: “Work to connect a property on Lymington Road to the public water supply is complete. The road surface will be reinstated today and the area cleared and traffic lights removed this evening.”

Highcliffe ward councillor John Lofts said the delays from works had become far too common.

“We want it done and back to normal as soon as possible,” Cllr Lofts said.

“The problem is that these works now seem to be such a regular thing and causing delays.”

Dorset county councillor for the area, Lesley Dedman, said she had sympathy for those affected.

“The works are really necessary and we are always sorry for any delays caused.

“Dorset County Council keeps a strict eye on how long these works go on for and if they overrun we are in direct contact with the body carrying out the works to move things along.

“We try to encourage the utilities companies to synchronise any works they do, but sometimes with emergency work that can be difficult.

“I really do sympathise for the people caught up by this in the village."

A trader in Highcliffe said: “We had people in this morning complaining about the traffic build up and how long it took them to get to the middle of the village."

Chris Watson, who runs the self-titled local family butchers in Highcliffe, said: “I quite like it because cars stop outside and are able to look at what we offer while they are waiting,”

“Normally they would drive on by and not take a glance.

“People know Highcliffe is a choke point. It doesn’t really impact on us as a business because a lot of our customers are locals who walk in."