KNUTSFORD’S traffic ground to a shuddering halt this week leaving motorists angry after five different roadwork schemes sprung into action.

Roadworks on Hollow Lane, Legh Road, Mobberley Road, Manor Park North, Beggarmans Lane and Brook Street – all within a mile of each other – resulted in surrounding roads resembling car parks rather than highways.

Work on the road around the new Aldi development on Brook Street and Hollow Lane began on Monday morning – four weeks behind schedule – while gas works on the A50 Toft Road meant traffic turning right into Brook Street blocked the Holmes Chapel bound traffic resulting in queues as far as the Land Rover garage on Manchester Road.

Residents in Goughs Lane told the Guardian their road was blocked for more than three hours on Monday evening as frustrated commuters attempted to make their way home.

And public transport was severely disrupted with the 300 circular delayed leaving bus users stranded and not being able to get in and out of town.

On Tuesday, social network Twitter was awash with comments from residents lambasting the council for planning the roadworks at the same time.

Motorists even said they were stuck at 5.30am despite there being little traffic on the road.

Neil Alexander said: “Horrendous traffic on Manchester Road into Knutsford, avoid.” Dan Beattie said: “Who has planned all these traffic lights and works in Knutsford at the same time? 30 minutes to move half a mile.”

A Cheshire East Council spokesman said it had asked for the traffic lights to be operated manually on Toft Road to help the problem.

“We are aware that two sets of road works are causing some difficulties in Knutsford and we thank motorists for their patience during this period,” he said.

“The works on Toft Road are due to essential replacement of gas mains and are due to be completed by the end of next week. The works around the Aldi development are set to be there for a little time longer.

“To help manage traffic we have asked the gas main contractors to operate traffic lights manually to help ease congestion. We have also asked the contractors for Aldi to do everything possible to reduce hold ups.”

The Brook Street roadworks are due to last for 10 weeks.