RUMOURS have been spreading around Lydbrook that the main road through the village, currenty closed for the flood alleviation project, may be facing long delays.

The works, which have completely closed the B4234 for the past six weeks, have 'stalled' in the view of one local resident, who did not wish to be named.

He told the Review: "I've been watching the culvert works with interest as I thought from the start they were being ambitious in their estimate on how long this job will take.

"I thought something was up when the company doing the work stopped posting any updates about the project on the village notice board outside Central Stores.

"I spoke to one chap on the site and he said that the whole project could take an extra month to finish, but he wouldn't be drawn on why."

Jason Humm, area highways manager for Gloucestershire County Council, said: "When we're doing complex ground works, there can be unexpected issues outside of our control.

"Once excavations started in Lydbrook, we discovered a private sewer, which has meant a significant redesign of the scheme underground and liaison with the sewer's owners.

"We appreciate this has caused a delay and apologise for the extra inconvenience to the local community."

A Forest of Dean District Council spokesperson said: "We acknowledge that these essential flood mitigation works have caused a temporary inconvenience, but it is very important that the project is fully completed in order to improve the protection of Lydbrook residents' homes and businesses by reducing the risk of further incidents of flooding.

"An alternative traffic route will remain in place and we would like to thank the local residents and the travelling public for their continued patience whilst these complex works are completed."