TEMPORARY traffic lights are creating gridlock 'chaos' in the town centre.

A four-way system has been set up at the junction between Church Street and Graham Road.

The temporary signals are in place to enable the county council to repair electric cables at the crossing.

Julie Lewis, who lives in Malvern Link, said: "Why can't they just close the road and do this overnight instead of causing chaos in the town trying to get out of Waitrose car park is a nightmare!

"I saw the traffic there and ducked down a different route so I didn't get stuck in it myself I could see it was gridlocked."

Cllr Marcus Hart, cabinet member for highways, said: "These works are essential as underground cables at this location are degrading, resulting in faults that could potentially inconvenience local residents.

"The temporary lights are running four way during the day to facilitate the works and return to two way during peak hours and night time.

"Our operatives on site are continually checking the timings of the temporary lights and adjusting as necessary.

"We considered the option of night working at the beginning of this project, however this was discounted due to the noise generated by the machinery."

A council spokesman said if the cables malfunctioned it could cause problems for the permanent traffic lights.

Work started on October 31 and will end on December 16, with police advising drivers to use other roads.