A COUNTY councillor has warned traffic problems generated by the Holt Bridge closure could have a "devastating impact" on businesses.

Coun Richard Udall has written to his authority's environmental services department complaining that measures should be taken to ease the pressure on local companies.

Commuters have suffered major delays driving through the city when three weeks of work on the bridge, near Ombersley, began on Monday.

"I have been inundated with complaints from residents concerned about the traffic chaos caused by the closure," said Coun Udall.

"St John's became totally gridlocked on Monday and Tuesday, with many residents telling me it added at least an hour to their journey to enter the city centre or access the M5.

"I understand teething problems may be part of the problem as motorists try to get used to the alternative routes. However, the congestion was far and beyond what would be expected and far from usual.

"Measures could entail the removal of on-street parking from key roads to ensure traffic moves freely," added Coun Udall, who represents St John's at County Hall.

"It's just one option and I hope they will all be looked at.

"Failure to assist may have a devastating impact on the short term local economy.

"If people can't get around, if people can't get to work and are losing half an hour stuck in a traffic jam, business is being lost, goods can't get delivered on time or dispatched on time."

Jon Fraser, network control manager for the council, said he doubted there was anything else that could be done to improve the situation.

He said roadworks on diversion routes had been cancelled, traffic light systems are being assessed and wardens are moving vehicles that might cause obstructions to ease the problems.

"We recognise that people are concerned and we are doing absolutely everything we can," said Mr Fraser.

Works misery for families

RESIDENTS living near Holt Fleet Bridge have complained about the impact the maintenance work is having on their lives.

Andrea Davies, who lives off the A4133, which goes over the bridge, described the situation as "horrendous."

"The road has got to be open for residents' access but people are treating it as a road closure," said Mrs Davies. "I know it's got to be done but there's no co-operation for the people who live here.

"There is no proper traffic signals system in place. They are there with a stop-go sign but they are on the wrong side of the road and you can't see them. They've got to get it better organised."