SOME drivers are ignoring the signs and making traffic problems even worse, following the closure of one of Winchester's busiest roads.

Southgate Street is expected to remain shut for major gas repairs until mid-June.

A spokesman for Southern Gas Networks said yesterday (Wednesday): "Coach-drivers and truck-drivers seem to be ignoring the signs. We have put up additional signs by the Green Man and the Peugeot garage and we are talking to the highway authority about putting up electronic signs.

"There are teething problems when a job starts, but people get used to it."

Judith Davis, partner at Penyards Property Management and Lettings, said: "Some drivers are continuing all the way down to the roadworks. It is then almost impossible to turn around."

Simon Battams, of National Tyres and Autocare, in St Cross Road, said: "There have been a lot of lorries that have come up here and have had to turn round, causing tailbacks.

"There are no signs saying no HGVs and they are getting stuck.

"Our custom has dropped by at least a third just today. We are really worried about how these road works will affect us."

However, businesses such as the Hotel Du Vin and The Screen said they had not been badly affected by the road closure as yet.

A spokesman for Hampshire County Council said Southern Gas Networks would continue to maintain pedestrian access.

"It is very much business as usual and people are encouraged to continue shopping in Winchester," she added.

Diversions are in place in Badger Farm Road and Romsey Road, leading to the rerouting of several buses.

One vital aspect of the upheaval is the maintaining of access for emergency vehicles and a spokesman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was working closely with the county council and SGN to ensure that it could reach premises in Southgate Street - in particular, Hotel Du Vin and Devenish House rest home.

For updates on the roadworks, visit www3.hants. gov.uk/roads.