HAVOC and frustration is being caused by the Sidbury road-works, residents have complained. The council started resurfacing work on the A375 road on Monday, October 13 and warned of three weeks of disruption. But many residents feel that chaos has ensued.

HAVOC and frustration is being caused by the Sidbury road-works, residents have complained.

The council started resurfacing work on the A375 road on Monday, October 13 and warned of three weeks of disruption.

But many residents feel that chaos has ensued.

An elderly Sidbury resident said: "It is absolute hell because you don't know if they will let you through or not. I want to take some flowers to my ill friend but I don't think I'll be able to as they aren't letting many people through."

Businesses have been badly affected by the repairs and have been losing trade.

Rob Drew, owner of Drews of Sidbury Butchers, said: "It has had an effect on business because people pick up newspaper here on their way to work but they haven't been able to get through.

"The signs haven't been properly set up and there has been access on weekends but the sign says the road is closed so even when they can drive through the village they don't.

"The job has to be done and we have to grin and bear it."

Another Sidbury business owner said: "It is very difficult to carry on running a business at the moment.

"We have had delivery drivers who have had to produce documentation to prove they were actually going to Sidbury. Staff also have to convince the guard at the barrier that they have a genuine reason to enter.

"We have had many phone calls from people wanting to come to Sidbury and asking could they get there- the answer being no."

Parents of pupils at Sidbury Primary School are among the worst affected by the works.

A parent said: "I travel to Taunton everyday and I have to drop my children off at school first and the road-works cause more problems.

"About fifteen or twenty minutes has been added to my journey every day."

Devon County Council has apologised for the inconvenience.

A spokesman said: "Next week should be the final week of works including the road marking which should complete the works by Friday, October 31. Should the weather turn against the laying of material it may run into Monday, November 3.