ROADworks are causing chaos in Melksham town centre as temporary traffic lights lead to gridlock in the streets.

Town councillor Vic Oakman this week condemned the decision to undertake several major road projects in the town during the busy summer months.

He said: "It is such a mess. People are jumping out of their cars and leaving them all over the place. The lorries are coming into this town and stopping to unload wherever they wish. People are queuing for up to 20 minutes at a time.

"The people who planned all this want a bullet in the back of their head. They certainly do not have a brain."

The work is being done by gas firm Transco, as part of a 15-week project to replace old metal pipes in the High Street, Market Place and Spa Road, with durable plastic ones.

Project manager Andy Leach said: "We would like to apologise for any inconvenience during this essential work, we have met Melksham Town Council to co-ordinate the project."

The temporary traffic lights in the High Street, are set to remain in place until next month and signs have been put up to direct heavy traffic away from the town centre.