RESIDENTS have spoken of their anger over a road closure which is expected to cause travel misery and disruption.

People living in Bournmoor, near Chester-le-Street, say they face a detour of up to five miles when the closure is put in place for the construction of a roundabout on busy Chester Road from today.

Joyce Hall said: “We were never properly informed of the closure and the first I learned was when it all we saw was placard at the local garage. When I asked the bus drivers of alternate arrangements they didn’t have a clue of what was gong to happen."

Brian Buckley, strategic highways manager at Durham County Council, said: “A road closure will be in place on Chester Road in Bournmoor to allow for the construction of a roundabout to provide access to a new housing development.

“Various options were considered to control traffic during the work but it was agreed that a full closure of the westbound carriageway was needed to ensure the safety of road users and construction workers. This will be in place from Monday July 29 to Friday September 6, during the quieter summer period, followed by two-way traffic lights until Sunday October 6.

“During the closure, a sign posted diversion will be in place and motorists are advised to allow an extra ten minutes for their journeys. A shuttle bus service will also be provided from Bournmoor to Fencehouses linking to other bus services.

“As is required, formal notice of the road closure was advertised in the local press and at the site. We would like to thank the public for their patience while the work is undertaken.”