The level of disruption caused to motorist and residents, who claim they feel "trapped" as a result of long-running gas works, is "totally unacceptable" a councillor has said.

National Grid started work to replace the 100-year-old gas pipes with new ones in Blake Hall Road, Wanstead, towards the end of July and are scheduled to be continue until October 30.

As a result of temporary traffic lights and increased congestion, residents in nearby Windsor Road claim has become a "speeding rat-run".

To try and alleviate residents' concerns, Redbridge council announced on Friday it will install 'No Through Access' signs to try and limit the impact of traffic in the area.

But Wanstead ward Labour councillor and chair of the council's neigbourhoods committee, Sheila Bain, said it is still not enough.

She said: "This is a totally unacceptable situation which is severely affecting the lives of local people.

"I’ve spoken to residents and seen myself how badly they’re being affected by these works and the serious impact on motorists.

"Although these are not council works, I can assure residents that their concerns are not being ignored.

"I’m in constant touch with officers who are now monitoring the situation daily and putting pressure on National Grid to do everything possible to improve the flow of traffic and lessen the impact on local residents."

The works were prompted following safety concerns after residents reported the smell of gas.

National Grid has been asked to install temporary signs at the junctions of Belgrave Road, Blake Hall Road, Windsor Road, Lake House Road and Richmond Way, Lake House Road indicating ‘No Through Access’ to either Lake House Road or Blake Hall Road.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Major gas works in Blake Hall Road, Wanstead