ROADS through the centre of Portishead became gridlocked today (Mon) after a diversion was put in place directing traffic through the town’s High Street.

The diversion, due to resurfacing work on a section of Wyndham Way, coincided with temporary traffic lights in the centre of the High Street following a suspected gas leak.

The arrival of large lorries and contractors to the Grange Farm site, also in High Street, added to the traffic chaos. Motorists are being asked to be patient as the necessary resurfacing work is expected to be completed within four days.

A spokesman for North Somerset Council said: “The resurfacing work on Wyndham Way, between its junctions with The Portbury Hundred and Quays Avenue should be completed on Thursday. To keep disruption to a minimum, the work is being carried out outside of peak hours with the road closed between 9.30am and 3.30pm each day.”

Residents living in The Vale have pleaded with drivers not to use the roads on their estate as an alternative to the diversion as the narrow streets are not equipped to deal with heavy traffic.

A spokesman for Wales and West Utilities said: “We received reports of a gas escape on High Street over the weekend and a team was sent to investigate.

“They identified the location of the leak and excavated the required area to access the gas main.

“For the safety of motorists, pedestrians and our workforce, it has been necessary to introduce traffic management measures which we have liaised with the local highways authority about.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this work may cause.”