ROADWORKS along Reading Road have been causing issues for motorists and have left areas in Hartley Wintney completely gridlocked.

The works are part of an ongoing programme to improve the water supply network by South East Water which is working to complete a scheme to install 3.3 kilometres of water pipeline along Reading Road.

The final stage of the roadworks for this started on Monday, 21 August with Vicarage Lane, Bottle Lane and Red Hill closed and diversions in place.

A diversion route is in place via London Road and Bracknell Lane, however due to temporary traffic lights implemented to fix a nearby gas main, residents have said traffic has been slow and queuing during peak times.

Resident, Chris Stanley, said: “It’s completely ridiculous, it is completely gridlocked because of the two contrasting road works that are going on.

“The diversions are fine, people can work around them but the temporary traffic lights make it impossible and traffic is at a standstill.”

The work on the gas main is set to continue until today (Thursday) with disruption expected most mornings and evenings during the main commuting times.

Mr Stanley added: “They should have realised that these two separate road works would have an impact on each other.”

South East Water has said the £620,000 scheme is necessary to improve the capacity of the network and to ensure maintained water pressure to the area as the community grows.

In a statement, Hook Parish Council said: “Whilst we have every sympathy with those being inconvenienced, we have no involvement in the decision to do this work.

“All utility companies have a legal right to maintain their infrastructure.”

The parish council has also been contacted by the utility company regarding the temporary traffic lights with a statement. It read: “We fully understand your frustration with our work on Griffin Way South.

“We always try and avoid working on busy roads during the school terms but sometimes this is not possible due to highway restrictions and the locations of our workforce.  “We really appreciate your patience.”