TEMPORARY traffic lights opposite a primary school have caused additional rush hour traffic.

The work on Northwick Road, opposite Northwick Manor Primary School, has meant that the usually busy school run has been made much more chaotic.

At pick-up time yesterday, cars were parked on either side of the road, on double yellow lines and traffic was very slow moving in the area.

The works should have been undertaken in the summer holidays, however, Cadent Gas failed to submit a linked permit.

Terry Weaver, who lives on Northwick Road, said: "It's pretty bad between 8.30am - 9am and 3pm - 3.30pm.

"But, I don't see what else parents can do. 

"If they hadn't built houses on all the land here they might have had space for a car park.

"What I will say though, is that it's against the highway code to mount the pavement."

Some residents who live on Northwick Road are unhappy with the timing of the roadworks.

One resident of Northwick Road said: "All I would say is, they have had six weeks to do this work. 

"I think it's quite unfortunate timing to line up with when school children go back."

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: "Cadent Gas have been working in the Northwick Road area to replace the gas mains over the summer holidays.

"They have encountered a few issues, which has slightly delayed the scheme.

"The works on Seymour Avenue under temporary traffic signals were approved to commence before the start of the new school term, however, Cadent Gas failed to submit a linked permit for the Northwick Road temporary signals required to complete the connection on the junction of Seymour Avenue / Northwick Road.

"We have been in contact with Cadent Gas to push for completion and who have advised us that the signals will be removed around midday tomorrow. Apologies for the inconvenience caused while these works are taking place."

A spokesperson for Northwick Manor Primary School said: "We have not had parents or carers complain about the roadworks to staff in school.

"Children have arrived at school on time so parents/carers are allowing for traffic jams. The term has started well.

"We are aware that sometimes parents/carers park inappropriately outside school and we regularly remind them to park correctly.

"New parents are informed about taking care to park correctly outside school.

"We also encourage parents/carers to walk to school whenever possible."

We have contacted Cadent Gas for comment.