A FORMER councillor has hit out at officials for creating a “dangerous” and “unsafe” road while works were carried out in Shirley.

Steven Galton, who represented Millbrook Ward for two years, said the road layout while Southern Gas Network (SGN) upgraded its systems in the Foundry Lane area was unsuitable for road users and pedestrians.

The junction between Foundry Lane and English Road saw lane closures, with contractor diggers parking on pavements.

Mr Galton believes poor visibility around the corner of English Road to join Foundry Lane made the site a hazard.

He said: “The road should have been closed off and an alternative route made. Although the school is shut, it still runs breakfast and summer clubs, so children and parents using the road are in danger.”

In pictures supplied by Mr Galton, cars can be seen parking on corners, impeding the view of motorists coming up and down Foundry Lane.

A spokesperson for SGN said: “We have been working to upgrade our gas network in the Foundry Lane area of Southampton.

“This is to ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to local residents for many years to come.

“We did have temporary four-way traffic lights in place at the English Road and Heysham Road junction last week.

“However, we’ve completed this stage of our project and removed the traffic lights.”

A council spokesperson added: “We undertake regular inspections of sites, and if any issues are identified then these are reported to the site management team.”