GAS company Transco was forced to stop work this week by Wiltshire County Council.

Transco put up traffic lights outside Aldi on Beanacre Road in Melksham on Monday. The lights were due to be in position between 9am and 4pm for one day.

But on Monday night the lights were still in place and caused four-mile tailbacks almost to Whitehall Garden Centre at Lacock.

Wiltshire County Council's street works manager Don Jest stepped in and on Tuesday demanded Transco remove the lights.

"The company was expected to investigate what works need doing and then taken the traffic lights down. We had to step in and demand the lights be removed," said Mr Jest.

Mr Jest met Transco on Wednesday afternoon to arrange a programme of works and Transco was given permission to use traffic lights yesterday and today between 9am and 3.30pm. On Monday, the lights will be in place from 9am and from Tuesday onwards between 7.30am and 6.30pm.

"Transco estimates the work will take up to two weeks and we will be making sure the company sticks to that agreement," said Mr Jest.

Warning signs will be put on the A350/ A36 at Warminster, the A350/ A4 Chippenham and A350/A361 at Semington.

Transco spokesman Caroline Davidson said work was being carried out to replace the old cast-iron gas main with modern plastic pipe.

She said: "We were unable to complete the investigation works by 4pm on Monday and had to leave the lights in place while workmen filled in the hole."