TRAFFIC "chaos" has erupted in a group of Hampshire villages after a "simple" water leak took longer to repair than planned.
Southern Water, which is responsible for the area's water supply, initially responded to reports of the issue on August 19, but had to close a stretch of Springvale Road on the weekend beginning November 2.
Today, November 5, the closure is still in force and reports have come in of widespread disruption of traffic and bus services.
Among those nettled at the disruption is Winchester City Councillor for The Worthys Jackie Porter (Lib Dems), who criticised both the Tory-led Hampshire County Council and Southern Water for what she sees as their inaction.
READ MORE: M3 northbound near Winchester reopens after roadworks
She said: "Traffic built up at 5pm last night (Monday 4) and was really dangerous, especially at Lovedon Lane, Park Lane and the A33 crossroads."
This traffic was exacerbated by the closure of the M3 northbound beyond junction7 at Basingstoke due to overrunning roadworks lasting well into the morning.
"Someone 'next door' has commented that in past years, the police would have been on hand directing traffic. I think that's a really good point. It was a practice to keep people safe, but it no longer happens.
"I wrote pleading to Southern Water to speed up the works. I wrote to Hampshire County Council, and Southern Water with my complaint. Southern Water said in reply to my plea that they would 'get someone to look at it'.
"They need to tarmac it, not just 'look at it'!"
In addition to the closure, the water was turned in the area of Kings Worthy west of Springvale Road on November 5 between 10am as part of the repairs.
Southern Water has posted the following statement on its website regarding the closure: "We're really sorry for any inconvenience this might cause, we aim to complete these repairs as soon as possible. When your water comes back on, you may notice some minor discolouration or low pressure; this is completely normal and is only temporary."
READ MORE: Councillor disappointed that Southern water is still lagging behind
Cllr Porter, who also represents the Itchen Valley district at Hampshire County Council, added: "Meanwhile Stagecoach and school buses are also trying to cope with the outfall of all this mess. Kings Worthy is cut in half and, up to this point, no one can speed up Southern Water.
"The irony is that all this is happening as one MP in parliament is trying to call utility companies to greater account for road closures this week!"
A spokesperson for Southern Water said: “Our teams are working hard to repair a leak at Springvale Road, Kings Worthy.”
“We’re sorry for the disruption this is causing businesses and customers in the area especially as this is a key road in the village. We are expecting this work to be completed tomorrow morning (November 6).”
The Chronicle has also contacted Hampshire County Council for comment.
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