Local man solves roadworks problem with his own toll road

A TEMPORARY TOLL road made from rolled chippings has been opened in south-west England.

Businessman Mike Watts decided to open the thoroughfare to bypass a closed section of the A431 between Bath and Bristol. The Kelston Road was shut in February following a landslip and officials say it will not be repaired until the end of the year.

But a new makeshift road, which costs £2 a time to use, reopens the important "back road" - which is used by commuters going between the two cities. Local villagers in nearby Kelston have repeatedly criticised Bath & North East Somerset council for not reopening the main road sooner and say it has caused major traffic problems in the area.

By Press Association reporters