MOTORISTS were faced with travel chaos yesterday as telecom works caused major tailbacks from Blackford Bridge.

Work being carried out on a pavement telecoms box, at the junction of Manchester Road and Hollins Brow, led to long delays and traffic jams ­— back to Parkhills Road to the north and Whitefield to the south.

The delays resulted from parked workers' vans closing the Manchester-bound outside lane and the Bury-bound inside lane, and three-way traffic lights at the junction.

Commuters have since hit out at the delays and lack of signage.

Eyewitness Steve Evans said: "If they had placed a sign prior to Sunnybank lights saying "no right turn at Pilsworth, then all traffic could have gone through for Bury and there would have been no need for three-way lights ­— two-way would have been enough and traffic could have flowed normally.

"Alternatively they could have parked their vans on Roach Street, about 30 yards away, and not closed any lanes."

Mr Evans, who is a member of Bury UKIP, added: "I spoke to a worker who was putting away all the cones who told me it was madness, unnecessary and should have been done overnight but the council had authorised it.

"Why do we have to put up with this kind of council stupidity? This all causes increased pollution along Manchester Road, and it even made the radio traffic report."

Bury Council has been approached for comment.