The Highways Agency has apologised for the chaos on the A650 last Friday when tailbacks five miles long were caused by roadworks.

The agents for the work, Bradford Council, are to ask contractors Tilcom for an explanation of what happened.

Bingley suffered serious disruption as shoppers stayed away, motorists took an age to complete the shortest journeys and schoolchildren did not arrive home until 6pm.

Bingley Amateur Operatic Society had to delay opening its production of New Moon because not all of the cast and audience had arrived. One desperate member left her car and ran down the Twines to get there on time.

Coun Eileen Sinclair said: "Apparently one of the machines broke down, they repaired it and decided to carry on until the job was finished.

"I really am concerned about the traders in Bingley. It's their busiest time coming up to Christmas and on Friday I was most concerned there was hardly anyone in Myrtle Park precinct.

"I think the message needs to get through that they ought to be looking at doing these jobs on days other than Thursday and Friday."

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: "As the agents for the work, Bradford Council are asking the contractors for an explanation of what happened.

"It was due to finish at 4pm but went on until after 6pm and caused great disruption for which the Highways Agency is extremely apologetic."

Work is due to resume in the Cottingley Bridge area on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Temporary traffic lights will be in force between 9.30am-4.30pm. He said that in view of last Friday's chaos the contractors had been asked to finish by 3.30pm.

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