DRIVERS across Southend are facing more misery amid a warning to expect “severe delays” throughout the next three weeks, as a new set of roadworks get underway.

Workers will be digging up parts of Cuckoo Corner roundabout from today as part of the ongoing ultra-fast broadband installation taking place across the city.

Council bosses are warning of significant disruption on all approaches to the Cuckoo Corner roundabout - including Princes Avenue, Manners Way, Priory Crescent and Victoria Avenue.

A Southend Council spokesman said: “Severe delays are expected, so please allow longer travelling times and avoid the area if possible.”

The roadworks, which are set to last three weeks, will result in the roundabout being reduced from three lanes to one.

Daniel Cowan, councillor for St Laurence, claims lane closures installed in advance of the work had to be withdrawn over the weekend following a backlash from angry residents at the delays it was causing.

The lane closures will be re-added from today.

Read more >> 'We can't get out of our homes': Fury at 'unbearable' roadworks

The warning over more delays comes after Southend and Leigh motorists suffered months of chaos caused by roadworks.

In Leigh Road, Leigh, there are temporary traffic lights and most on-street parking bays have been suspended during the work.

Leigh Broadway suffered the same fate in recent weeks.

Myra James, of London Road, Leigh, said: “It’s pretty bad. I use Leigh Road every day and it’s pretty chaotic. A lot of businesses have spent lots of money recently on their shops. People can’t park up so I guess they’re missing passing trade.”

City Fibre, the company which is responsible for laying new cables to improve broadband speeds across Southend, is carrying out the work as part of £30 million scheme to boost internet coverage.

Steven Wakefield, councillor responsible for transport, said: “There’s got to be a bit of give and take.

“You can’t expect progress without some disruption.

“We understand there’s going to be inconvenience, but we have to move forward with the infrastructure and provide fast internet for all.”

The ongoing improvements mean more than half of residents in Southend - 55 per cent - now have access to gigabit broadband.