RESIDENTS frustrated after weeks of roadworks were left reeling last week after one man took a photograph of traffic cones which did not appear to surround anything but fresh air.

Temporary traffic lights were installed on Belmont Road at the junction with Walnut Tree Avenue on Saturday, July 23 while National Grid replaces old metal mains with modern plastic pipe.

But the works have caused misery for motorists, with tailbacks throughout the day.

On Sunday morning, Belmont resident Colin James discovered the traffic lights had been removed – only for them to be back in place, surrounding little more than fresh air, just a few hours later.

Mr James, who runs online forum Hereford Voice, said: “I drove down the Belmont Road at 9am and it was clear all the way and the traffic lights were off, facing the pavement.

“I came back in the afternoon and the traffic was built up and there were lights there again. Just before the Oval on the left [southbound] there were cones into the middle of the road surrounding fresh air.

“Everybody is frustrated – there have been a lot of comments. Every time people seem to pass there seems to be very little in the way of progress.

"The only time we seem to get a reprieve is when the kids are off. Last year there were roadworks the whole six weeks they were off.

"Why has it taken the whole six weeks? That's why people are frustrated. We haven't even got a fortnight without traffic."

The following day, the cones and traffic lights had been moved to a different location – around quarter of a mile north on the opposite side of the road.

A spokesman for National Grid said the cones were used to mark out the area of the island and the temporary traffic lights were moved so that the island could be reinstated.

They said: "The work we are carrying out in Belmont Road is essential to make sure the gas supply in the area remains safe and reliable.

"The old metal main is being replaced with a new plastic pipe which will last for many years and will need little or no maintenance.

"We realise that digging up busy roads can cause disruption for motorists and so we have been working until 7pm in the evening and at weekends to make sure we finish the job during the school holiday.

"We are currently on target to complete the work by the end of next week.”

A Herefordshire Council spokesman added that during the works, Balfour Beatty Living Places has made regular site visits to ensure traffic is being managed effectively to ease congestion as much as possible.