EMERGENCY gas works near Westbourne have caused long delays for drivers this week.

Engineers from SGN blocked off part of Alumhurst Road, near Alum Chine, on Wednesday.

However, as drivers returned home on Thursday evening, the works caused long delays throughout the conurbation.

Travel time from West Cliff Road into Alumhurst Road took around 45 minutes in both directions.

There were also problems on the A338 Wessex Way and from Poole back towards Bournemouth as a result of the closure, while traffic in Westbourne and at County Gates was stationary.

Although a signed diversion directs motorists into Westbourne, many drivers simply drove past the 'road closed' sign and past the works.