ANGRY residents claim temporary traffic lights in Halstead High Street caused “absolute chaos” in the town.

Ann England, 42, says traffic lights at the roundabout at the junction of High Street and Parsonage Street led to standstill traffic for motorists.

The Halstead resident of three years said she did not understand why the lights are located at the roundabout when roadworks are being carried out in Parsonage Street.

Telecom company Openreach is currently working along the road and the organisation is also responsible for the temporary traffic lights.

Halstead Gazette: Working - An illustrative image of Openreach employees working in a roadWorking - An illustrative image of Openreach employees working in a road (Image: Joe Giddens/PA)

Ann said: “The works are only happening in Parsonage Street which is a side road of the roundabout.

“The workmen aren't actually working on the roundabout - they are in Parsonage Street.

“It’s causing bedlam in Halstead.

“I do understand that the work needs to be done but surely some common sense is needed, the four-way lights aren't necessary. 

Halstead Gazette: Road - A Street View image of Parsonage Street looking onto the roundaboutRoad - A Street View image of Parsonage Street looking onto the roundabout (Image: Google Maps)

“Halstead is a very busy town and it's taking nearly half hour to do a five-minute journey due to these lights.”

Ann is frustrated because she often travels to Sudbury to visit relatives and has had to sit in standstill traffic.

Her partner has also been caught in traffic because of the lights each day.

A spokesman for Openreach explained why the traffic lights are needed and why the work is taking place.

They said: "One of our telephone and broadband cables in Halstead has become faulty and needs urgent repair. 

Halstead Gazette: Traffic - The Halstead High Street RoundaboutTraffic - The Halstead High Street Roundabout (Image: Google Maps)

"To do this, we need to install a new underground duct and a box. 

"We have permission from Essex Council for our partners to do this work between February 20-26 and traffic lights are needed for them to undertake the work safely. 

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank everyone for their understanding while we complete the work”.

Ann said the temporary traffic lights have now been taken down as the work continues.