A SPOKESMAN for Devon Highways has apologised for the severe traffic congestion and delays in Holsworthy caused by two sets of road-works being carried out at the same time during the two weeks which ended last weekend.

Three-way traffic lights were operating at the junction of Bodmin Street and Fore Street while Devon Highways were improving pavements in Bodmin Street. At the same time, Waterloo Road was closed to allow BT to carry out some work thereby forcing a greater volume of traffic than usual to pass through the town centre.

During last Wednesday morning, Market Day, there were times when the queue of traffic stretched along North Road almost as far as the cemetery. Added to this, for a while SW Water were in Chapel Street dealing with a problem. On top of that, this was the day chosen by the Department of Transport to be in Chapel Street carrying out a traffic survey.

The spokesman said there was a breakdown in co-ordination by Devon County Council and he expressed his regret and concern for the failure. He did not know who had authorised the traffic survey but said the Department of Transport carries out periodic surveys and does not need to notify the council unless they are stopping the traffic. They have been informed and acknowledge that the data they collected will be defective.

A 'Highways Surgery' will be held in Suite B of the Town Council Offices from 10am to 12noon on Wednesday, April 14.