ROADWORKS in Sandbanks are going to cause a “huge problem” as thousands of people look set to descend on the area for Sandfest.

The Sandbanks Community group insisted everyone was doing their utmost to manage the situation but conceded it wasn’t ideal.

Works to repair a damaged sewer in Shore Road began in May and were scheduled to last two weeks.

READ MORE: Sandbanks congestion expected ahead of Sandpolo and SandFest

However, they won’t be done until the end of July, and the temporary traffic lights will be manned during the Sandfest weekend.

David Morley, of the Community Group, said: “We have worked with the police, with Wessex Water and with Sandfest and I think no one is under any illusion it’s a difficult situation with these roadworks.

“The community accepts that it’s one of those things, the sewer collapsed and turns out it’s more difficult to fix, realistically Wessex Water are doing the best they can.

“It’s going to cause a huge problem with the influx of people for Sandfest.

“Wessex Water have done their best to manage traffic, most people would say it’s been managed as well as it could have been.

“It’s not ideal but we can’t do anything about it.”

Mr Morley said he has worked with the organisers of Sandfest and they have set up a “hotline” for residents to voice any concerns throughout the weekend.

“Most people accept it is a great venue, a lot of people are going to have a great time there and fair enough.”

READ MORE: Sandbanks residents 'trapped' due to gridlock traffic

As reported, Wessex Water said the lights would be manned on the weekend and extra signage would be in place.

A spokesperson said: “Our damaged sewer in Shore Road has been successfully repaired and is back in use, so the next step is for the gas company to reconnect their mains this week.

“We’re in regular contact with the organisers of Sandpolo and Sandfest and have plans to ease traffic flow, with the temporary lights continuing to be manually controlled and extra signs on the approach to Shore Road.

“Every effort will be made to be off site and have the traffic lights removed by late July. We’d like to thank residents and road users for their continued patience during this emergency work.”