A schoolchild spent forty minutes and travelled just one mile in Midsomer Norton this morning (January 25) as the roadworks in and around Radstock caused traffic chaos and gridlock.

His was just one of the commuting horror stories following a series of roadworks starting, the main being works around The Street in Radstock.

Those are scheduled to carry on for the next two weeks, possibly longer. Details HERE

As drivers spent literally hours stuck in jams, one comic has called on the town to be renamed Roadstuck.

Other commuting horror stories included :

I just spent an hour and 45 minutes stuck from Paulton to Radstock… Absolutely insane

I've been sat at the college for 25 minutes. I left at 25 past for my daughter to start at 8 and I've not even moved a mile from my house

B&NES have today (January 25) asked motorists to plan their journeys, which has led to many angry responses on social media.

They posted :

Wales & West are making urgent repairs to a gas leak in Radstock. A362 Frome Road closed at The Street roundabout

Three-way temporary traffic signals on the A367 Wells Road roundabout. Please plan your journey.

Angry locals say lives could be put at risk

Jokes aside locals are concerned about emergency vehicles getting through what is effectively four streets of stationary traffic.

One resident begged that the works are suspended: " This is a huge safety concern for the towns of Radstock AND Midsomer Norton. Both towns have been completely gridlocked ALL day. Emergency vehicles will not be able to get through. Someone in the council needs to step in and postpone these works immediately. Where are the local councillors? Where is the local MP?"