MOTORISTS faced traffic chaos in Devizes yesterday (Monday) evening when the road outside The Bell By The Green was closed.

A number of drivers ignored diversion signs until it was too late and then decided to try and cut through the narrow Church Street to get from London Road to Nursteed Road.

This brought traffic to a standstill as parked cars meant the lane was single file in many places and vehicles were unable to pass. At one point there was a furious confrontation between two drivers when neither would give way.

People took to social media to complain about the problem or warn drivers to find an alternative route.

The resurfacing in Estcourt Street is taking place as part of work to replace the old Pelican crossing with a new Puffin. Diversions along Nursteed Road and Windsor Drive are in place to take traffic around the work when the road closed at 6pm.

Temporary traffic lights have been in place for several weeks.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: "The current ageing pelican crossing outside The Bell By The Green pub is being replaced with a new modern puffin crossing. There will also be a small area of road resurfacing in the immediate vicinity of the crossing.To keep any disruption to a minimum, work will take place from 6pm midnight."