Halstead was brought to a standstill after a water main burst.

Colchester Road was closed for most of Saturday whilst repairs were carried out by Anglian Water.

This caused traffic chaos with long queues of vehicles in both directions and people reporting delays of up to an hour as they struggled to get past.

Surrounding roads quickly became grid locked with cars and lorries as drivers struggled to get past parked cars.

Amanda Winter, of Nether Court, said: “It was just ridiculous that it took me 45 to 50 minutes to get from fire station, in Parsonage Street, to Nether Court.

“Now the traffic lights are in place it's running well, apart from idiot drivers who insist on blocking the top of Nether Court so if coming from town you can't turn right into Nether Court.”

A spokesman from Anglian Water said: “The burst water main on Colchester Road, Halstead was repaired Saturday evening.

“One lane reopened on Sunday and traffic lights are in place.

“We are working to resurface the road and both lanes will be open by Thursday.

“We are sorry for the disruption caused by this essential emergency repair work and thank residents and road users for their continued patience.”

**A further water main burst on Sunday in Dooley Road, Halstead.

A spokesman from Anglian Water said: “Our engineers repaired the damaged section of pipe later that day.

“We are aware this comes soon after another burst main and we would like to apologise for this.”