A CORNWALL councillor has said that the planners behind extensive works on the A30 should ‘hold their heads in shame’, as chaos continues.

At the start of August, National Highways revealed a swathe of upgrades it plans to carry out along the A30. Set to remain until March 2027, these works are being undertaken in an effort to improve the safety of the road.

On August 5, works officially got underway, causing almost immediate chaos as cars, vans, caravans, and even ambulances fought their way through the region’s B-roads as the road was completely closed in both directions between Five Lanes and Kennards House overnight.

Since then, chaos has continued, with drivers battling to find the fastest route to their destination, resulting in small rural communities being bombarded by traffic.

These issues have resulted in frustration for both drivers and communities, with one local councillor suggesting that planners ‘couldn’t be bothered to listen or consult with the community’ prior to improvement works.

Adrian Parsons, Cornwall councillor for Altarnun and Stoke Climsland, said: “Another day of chaos on the A30 and the sat nav is advising people to cut through Trewint - and probably all the other rural villages off this section of the A30.

“All those who this falls under that couldn’t be bothered to listen or consult with the community over the last 12 months leading up to this work should hold their heads in shame.

“The poor management is now costing business and local people with hold ups and delays. It’s unacceptable to think this is going to go on for six months.”

With issues persisting, the area’s MP has even stepped in. Ben Maguire, MP for North Cornwall, explained: "I've written to the regional director of National Highways requesting an urgent review of the signage and routes chosen.”

In response to these concerns, National Highways programme delivery manager Ian Ellis said: “We’re working six days a week to deliver this essential safety scheme on the A30 and have planned the work to avoid the busier summer and holiday seasons.

“We’ve reduced the length of the construction programme by establishing a large work area rather than carrying out a phased approach. This means we can keep the A30 open and give contractors space to carry out several activities at the same time while avoiding the need for further road closures to alter traffic management.

“We appreciate roadworks can impact journeys and will continue to monitor traffic conditions throughout the project.”