Further measures have been implemented by Redbridge council to help improve traffic flow during three-month gas works causing huge disruption in Wanstead.

A fourth temporary traffic signal has been installed at Lake House Road and a National Grid member of staff will based on site to monitor traffic flow and manually control the traffic lights if necessary in Blake Hall Road.

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 continue until October 30.

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

To try and alleviate residents' concerns, Redbridge council announced on July 31 it would install 'No Through Access' signs to try and limit the impact of traffic in the area.

And in response to Wanstead ward Labour councillor and chair of the council's neighbourhoods committee, Sheila Bain, saying the measures were still not enough, a Redbridge council spokesman confirmed more has been done.

He said: “The council continues to listen to residents’ concerns and is working hard with National Grid to try to improve traffic flow in the Wanstead area which has been disrupted by vital works to the gas main.

“A fourth temporary traffic signal has been installed at Lake House Road to manage traffic flow from Centre Road and Lake House Road more effectively.

“This has significantly reduced queuing time in Lake House Road.

“Additionally, National Grid have placed a member of staff on site to monitor overall traffic queues during peak hours and to manually control the traffic lights if necessary.

“This has proved particularly effective at the Blake Hall Road/Bush Road/Overton Drive junction.

“The council thanks motorists for their patience during National Grid’s major works and will continue to monitor the situation to seek to minimise the difficulties the works have caused."

National Grid has apologised for any disruption but says the works are "essential".