A fresh set of roadworks set up on a key road through Halstead has caused further misery for motorists.

Gas supplier Cadent has installed temporary traffic lights at the bottom of Mount Hill to allow contractors to carry out essential repair work.

The lights were put up before the morning rush hour on Monday and immediately caused large tailbacks both along Mount Hill and along Trinity Street, with queues forming as far back as High Street.

Drivers' misery was further compounded when another set of temporary traffic lights were set up for the day on Monday along Bournebridge Hill. The lights were removed by Tuesday.

Many motorists lamented the heavy traffic caused by the lights, with some calling the wait in queues "painful" and the roadworks themselves a "joke".

A spokesman for Cadent apologised for any delays caused by the roadworks but insisted the work was unavoidable.

He said: "We are currently carrying out essential repairs to the gas mains network in Mount Hill, Halstead.

"Temporary two way traffic lights are being used to enable the work to be carried out safely.

"We’re sorry for any disruption people may be experiencing as a result of this vital work and we will do all we can to complete the work as soon as possible.

"This work needs to be done to help ensure local people remain connected to safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating."

Roadworks are also in place at the top of Mount Hill where Bloor Homes is installing a new drainage system for the 283-home Oakwood Hill development.

The lights were put up in April and expected to be removed in September. However, work has overrun and the traffic lights are set to remain in place until November 10.