Drivers have been left facing gridlock as a road closure clogs up several routes on a housing estate.

Work got underway yesterday to install new electricity cables along Sevington Lane in Willesborough, Ashford.

The route, shut to the junction of Church Road until May 16, is part of a two-month set of closures which will see contractors from UK Power Networks (UKPN) close the stretch up to Hythe Road.

However, the work is already causing tailbacks across the Highfield estate.

Some drivers have been stuck for more than 30 minutes in Highfield Road - the only route which drivers can now use to exit the area.

Resident Luke Jones says the area is already congested due to parents taking their children to Willesborough Junior School and parking dangerously.

“This road is a rat-run at the best of times, especially during school hours," the 31-year-old said.

“It’s got worse around here over the years, so I think this closure will be a bit of a nightmare.

“You hope when people drive down once they’ll realise and stop turning back around.

“Going to Park Farm Tesco took three times as long on Tuesday as you have to go through the town centre now rather than along Boys Hall Road."

UKPN says the closures on Highfield are estimated to end on July 6.

The company says it is part of a 5.3km project across Willesborough and Sevington to provide a new customer connection to the electricity network.

Work began in March along Willesborough Road (A2070) and is expected to finish at Waterbrook Park in summer 2026.

One of the roads also currently affected is Silver Hill Road in Willesborough Lees - which residents last month labelled “messy, noisy and dangerous”.

A spokesperson said: "We aim to minimise the traffic impact in this busy area by completing our work nearest the school outside the peak school run.

"Work will advance along Church Road in 50-metre sections while maintaining access for residents and school traffic.

"We continue to plan our work in collaboration with the local authority to coordinate with other projects in the area."

Ashford Borough Council's Liz Wright (Green, Willesborough Lees) expects the roadworks to be a problem for many people.

The Green Party representative for Willesborough Lees ward explained: “I expect a lot of disruption.

“The Friday market at the WI Hall, plus other events there, will be more difficult to get to now [too] and I had to remember to not go to Boys Hall Road.

“So for two months I’m not sure how we will manage, but hopefully there will be improvements once it's done.”