TRAFFIC in Devizes was gridlocked on Saturday when work started on Wessex Water started work at a notorious junction in the town.

The water firm is carrying out essential maintenance to the road at the junction of Bath Road and Dunkirk Hill by Shanes Castle.

Three-way traffic lights were in place last Saturday and Sunday and will be in action again this weekend.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Council said: "This is essential maintenance."

But people caught up in the chaos took to social media to complain and said it brought back bad memories of a summer of chaos in London Road, Devizes caused by work to the junction at Windsor Drive.

Others pointed out that although there had been frustrating delays this project had produced results.

This was echoed at the Devizes Area Board meeting where Wiltshire Council cabinet member Philip Whitehead was thanked by fellow councillor Laura Mayes for his work on the project and the way he dealt with complaints.

Coun Whitehead apologised for the work over-running and said he would investigate what could have been done better. He said contingency time should have been built in.