Broughton residents were not pleased to discover a busy road in the area was unexpectedly closed by Lancashire County Council.

A sign was placed on Newsham Hall Lane warning drivers that they could expect the road to be closed from Thursday 4 – 18 January from 6pm-6am.

The sign however, was incorrect, and drivers using this route found that the road had actually closed from 6am on the morning of Thursday 4 January, without any warning.

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Neil Fraser, Broguhton resident, said: “Residents of Broughton were again angry at having to endure traffic chaos thanks to Lancashire County council’s latest road closure mistake.

“The signs for the road closure on Newsham Hall lane clearly stated the road would be closed from 4 January – 18 January from 6pm – 6am.

“The time information was removed from the sign and the closure was enforced from 8.30 on Thursday morning upsetting many people who found this route to be suddenly and unexpectedly closed.

“I am awaiting a response from Lancashire County Council, once the schools return on Monday this may become a major issue.”

Read more: Work begins on building the Penwortham bypass

Lancashire County Council said that the unexpected closure was as a result of the traffic management company putting the wrong sign up.

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: “We’re sorry for any confusion or inconvenience due to the way the closure of Newsham Hall Lane had been signed to begin with.

“The traffic management company which put up the sign had got the working hours the wrong way round, however this was corrected to reflect the closure being from 6am to 6pm as soon as we noticed the error.

“The resurfacing work is due to be finished on Friday 19 January.”

The council apologised for any inconvenience caused.

Do you live in Broughton? Did the sudden road closure effect you? Let us know in the comments below