NEWENT was grid-locked last week because incorrect maps were sent out to the workmen responsible for placing diversion signs around the town.

Gloucestershire Highways had advised drivers to instead use the B4221 towards Ross, then the A449 and the B4215 towards Newent.

However, the wrong maps were sent out to the workmen and instead of traffic being diverted out of Newent, vehicles including lorries and tractors were diverted into the town centre.

The diversions were in place because the B4221, the main road between Newent and the M50, was closed due to essential road repairs.

District Councillor Len Lawton said that it was ‘absolute chaos’ when work on the road began as all the traffic that should have been diverted towards Dymock, bypassing Newent, was going through the town centre instead.

“I couldn’t believe it. There were great big arctic lorries trying to turn down into narrow roads like Culver Street.”

A spokesman for Amey, Gloucestershire County Council’ s Highways contractor, said: “Unfortunately, the incorrect plans were sent to the traffic management team, which meant the route laid out was different to the one we’d publicised.”

Coun Lawton added: “I think they should have put a warning sign for drivers approaching from Gloucester at Highnam advising road users to use the A40 instead of heading towards Newent.”

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