A planned road closure on a busy link between Devizes and Pewsey brought chaos on Tuesday when the planning did not include any warning or diversion signs.

Motorists trying to reach Devizes from Alton Barnes and those wanting to turn by Cannings Hill Garage towards Pewsey suddenly found Horton Road blocked.

Now Wiltshire Council has issued an apology on behalf of its highways contractor Balfour Beatty Living Places.

A spokesman said: “We have spoken with Balfour Beatty Living Places and they would like to apologise to local residents and businesses for the inconvenience caused by the late display of warning signs and the late delivery of a number of warning letters. They have now put in place all the necessary measures to complete this safety improvement work as quickly as possible.”

Steve Kaines, who owns Cannings Hill Garage, said: “We did not receive any warning at all. When I arrived for work early on Tuesday I was told by a workman that I could not even get into my own garage. Later I was told that was wrong and I could go in”

Work will last until Thursday, wtih the road closed between Cannings Hill Garage and the Bishops Cannings turning.