RESIDENTS in Bromley Cross have criticised the council for not giving notice over roadworks which caused major traffic chaos.

Chapeltown Road and Turton Road have both been closed since Saturday when highways engineers carried out resurfacing work without giving advance warning.

The emergency road closures caused headaches for both motorists and residents -- with long tailbacks during the busy rush-hour period. Diversions were put in place by Bolton Council.

Residents have claimed that they were not given any warning about the roadworks -- which they believe has added to the misery.

Mrs Netta Hammond, of Chapeltown Road, said: "We went out on Sunday morning and everything was fine, there were no roadworks. But when we came back in the afternoon the road was blocked off and there were cones everywhere. We had no idea that the roadworks were about to take place. We were given no warning." Mr Arnold Isherwood, of the Crescent, Bromley Cross, said: "It was absolutely chaotic on Bank Holiday Monday. None of the motorists knew where they were going, there were huge traffic jams. Motorists were moving cones out of the way so they could get through the road blockage." Mrs Mary Hughes, of Chapeltown Road, said: "It has caused inconvenience for motorists and residents but it is something that has to be done."

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "An emergency road closure was put in place over the weekend on Turton Road while investigations were carried out on gas mains. We hope to have the road re-opened in the next few days.

"Unfortunately as it was an emergency we were unable to give notification and we apologise for any inconveniece this caused but the closure was necessary to allow the work to take place."