Drivers experienced congestion as five days of repairs started to one of Swindon's major roads.

Motorists found the westbound half of Kingshill Road leading down towards West Swindon closed and on-street parking suspended as contractors began resurfacing and drainage work between Bath Road roundabout and Westcott Place roundabout.

They were being diverted through the town centre along Newport Street, High Street, Cricklade Street, Drove Road, Fleming Way, Fleet Street, Faringdon Road and Westcott Place.

Vehicles are being allowed up Kingshill Road towards Princess Margaret Hospital and Old Town but are being urged to avoid the area, which attracts long tailbacks even without roadworks.

The roadworks have had a knock-on effect on repairs to another of Swindon's busiest roads.

Work began in Queens Drive between Drakes Way roundabout and the Magic Roundabout last week. The first stage finished yesterday and the rest has been put off until after 9.30am on Friday to take the pressure off the area which is along the diversion route for the Kingshill Road repairs.

Stuart Mackenzie, senior civil engineer for the council, said every effort was being made to minimise disruption.