A councillor has slammed a decision to allow gas works to continue on roads already dealing with an influx of traffic as a result of a collapsed bridge last month.
On June 14, the bridge near the junction of Riverside Drive in Mitcham partially collapsed, causing damage to a gas pipe and water main.
As a result, traffic was then diverted along Morden Road and Wandle Road.
But earlier this week more chaos was added to the mix with the start of nearly two weeks' worth of repairs, much to the despair of Dundonald ward Councillor David Dean.
"The people of Morden have been patient enough over the last two months with the collapse of Bishopsford Bridge, but why, oh why, have the Labour council allowed gas pipe roadworks on Morden Road and Wandle Road, the two roads where the bridge closure-causing diverted traffic is channelled," he said.
"This area has the Labour leader of the council as its councillor. Where is he and his fellow Labour councillors?
"Why does it take residents and Councillors from other wards, like me, to deal with this congestion cock-up?
"I have told the council to stop the roadworks until the bridge is fixed. Let's see if the Labour cabinet member shows any common sense and does so."
But despite these concerns, the works will continue until late next week.
Cabinet member for regeneration, housing and transport, Councillor Martin Whelton, said the timing of the "vital works" came at an unfortunate time.
"I would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused," he said.
"However the summer months are generally a good time for needed road works to be carried due to the reduction in traffic during school holidays.
"It would be potentially dangerous for the council to call a halt to these works now due to complications in the gas mains discovered by gas company SGN.
"The council has given permission for the works to take place up until Friday, August 9 and we have advised SGN that this cannot be extended under any circumstances.
"Our officers are inspecting these works daily to ensure that SGN operatives are working the maximum number of hours possible to make sure the works are completed on time.”
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