GRIDLOCKED traffic has been causing havoc for drivers and business owners in Chippenham due to a series of roadworks taking place on the A420.

For the past two weeks, parts of Park Lane, New Road, Marshfield Road and Ivy Lane have been closed, causing delays of up to an hour for people trying to get in and out of the town via the A4 Bridge Centre roundabout.

Diversions were taking drivers through the A4, A350 and B4158.

Gary Fossey, 53, who runs the Shamrock Driving School based in Calne, said he had to cancel lessons because the traffic delays stopped him reaching students. He said: “It takes forever to get anywhere.

“It took about half an hour to get from Queen’s Crescent to the Bridge Centre roundabout and all the side roads are jammed. Normally it would take between five and eight minutes.

“It is a nightmare. There are roadworks everywhere.

“I’ve had to cancel lessons because I couldn’t get there and other instructors are in a similar boat.

“I understand they have to do the roadworks but it is completely chaotic. It is a mismanagement and a lack of planning. They are doing the A350 as well all these roadworks seem to be happening at the same time it is horrific.”

Bus services also suffered due to the road closures, with some services facing delays of up to an hour.

Faresaver buses kept their customers updated via social media.

General manager of Faresaver Daniel Pickford, said: “We have been experiencing delays to all of our Chippenham services since the beginning of the road closures.

“The initial closure of Park Lane only caused minor delays as we were able to follow a small diversion but the subsequent closures of New Road and Marshfield Road has led to a significant build up of traffic and delays to many routes.

“Services operating along the Bath Road were taking 45 minutes to get from Sainsbury’s to the Bus Station every day and at its worst services were taking an hour to get from Park Lane to the Bus Station.

“Whilst we utilised all of our available spare vehicles and driving staff to help ease delays we still experienced some loss of service and delays on many services.

“The passengers who have contacted us regarding the problems have been very understanding of our situation and we thank them for their patience during this period.

“Our driving staff have also been doing a great job in keeping delays to a minimum given the unprecedented levels of traffic we have experienced over the last couple of weeks.

Businesses on roads which have been closed due to the roadworks have noticed a significant fall in trade. Maria Christina, owner of of hairdressing salon Maria Christina on New Road is hoping for compensation.

The 49-year-old, said: “The closure was a inconvenience and caused problems. We have had the worst walk-in trade and I have been at New Road for seven years.Last Tuesday we didn’t take enough money to cover the bills. People were cancelling because they were stuck in traffic. We didn’t get the passing trade we normally have, it has been awful.

“For us, all it takes is for them to go to another salon once and think this is a bit easier to get to and I don’t see them again.

“With Park Road and New Road being closed over two weeks I have lost one third of my usual weekly taking and that is a lot of money.

“I believe I should be compensated because I have lost trade, but I have had no correspondence back from the council.”

Roadworks will continue in New Road by the Little George roundabout until January for the installation of six-way traffic lights. Wiltshire Council was asked to comment, but had not replied by the time the Gazette went to press.

Kathryn Crossweller, of Chippenham BID, said: “Chippenham BID is aware of businesses whose profits have plummeted over the last few weeks as a result of the road works, and some have failed to cover their staffing costs with their takings on certain days during the resurfacing works that are being undertaken. We have arranged a meeting for the businesses on New Road, particularly the independent traders, to discuss ways in which we can support them as they try to recover from what has turned out to be a very difficult summer. The most important thing for all concerned is that people continue to come into town and support local businesses. In a challenging retail environment every customer counts, and if the community doesn’t support businesses then the businesses won’t be there for the customers to use.”