FEARS of a traffic “nightmare” and “chaos” have been voiced ahead of a five-day road closure in Christchurch.

Concerned councillors have admitted their frustration at more roadworks in the borough alongside the major work on the A338 Spur Road.

A short 85-metre stretch of The Grove between Jumpers Avenue and Barrack Road is set to be closed off from Monday, February 18 until Friday, February 22.

Bournemouth Water asked highway authority Dorset County Council to shut the road so they can install a new connection.

Due to the location of the pipe network, a full closure is needed for the utility company.

A signposted diversion will be implemented via Jumpers Avenue between The Grove and Barrack Road.

Stourvale Avenue will temporarily allow two-way traffic for residential access.

Cllr Margaret Phipps, who represents the Commons division which includes the area being closed, said: “It is a nightmare. I have asked why they have to close the whole road and the water company said they need to dig in the middle of the road.

“At the end of the day, as a councillor I am very insistent that non-essential work should not be carried out while there is the disruption on the A338.

“It has been suggested this work is essential. There is no doubt it is going to cause chaos. I sometimes despair there are so many roadworks and the motorists have to deal with it all the time, especially with the protracted A338 works.”

Cllr Lesley Dedman added: “This will add to the chaos already experienced our roads in Christchurch.”

Since the work began on the A338 at Blackwater traffic problems in Christchurch have been exacerbated, with vehicles almost at a standstill on Barrack Road heading towards Iford at peak times.

Christchurch councillor Colin Bungey raised concerns about the proposed diversion through Jumpers Avenue.

“Barrack Road is already a nightmare in the mornings,” Cllr Bungey said.

“A lot of vehicles come from Fairmile Road across The Grove. The diversion road is pretty small and there are always parked cars in it.

“As far as I am concerned, emergency works have to be done but, as always, I question why they cannot do the work 24 hours a day to get it finished quicker.”

“You often drive past coned off sections of road during working hours and there is no one there or a couple of workers just stood around.”

Bournemouth Water has not yet responded to questions from the Daily Echo.