BETWS residents are up in arms over the construction of a new housing development which, they say, has turned their road into “a nightmare”.

Maesquarre Road householders say gridlock caused by workers at Maes Ifans will cause a serious accident.

Mother of two, Stephanie Murphy, said measures were needed before someone is seriously hurt.

“The problem is developers have built a pavement on the roadside the length of the site,” said Stephanie.

“Before the path was built, residents parked on the opposite side of the road, where the housing development is currently being built, and there was ample room for cars to pass each other.

“Now, the unfinished path, which is too wide, too high and too difficult to access, has made living on the street a nightmare.

“My daughter was driving home and was nearly hit by an oncoming van.”

Residents claim that since developers at the Maes Ifan estate built the path, the road is all but impassable.

Pensioner Mr Rees said: “I have lived on this street for 50 years and I have never seen traffic so bad – it’s like Bedlam here most days.

“I’m not against the housing development; I just don’t understand why they decided to build a pavement that obstructs the whole street before even a brick was laid on the site.”

Father of five Carl Gibson added: “I’m really fearful that someone will get hurt.

“Also there is nowhere for wheelchair users or mothers with prams to access the path safely. I’m outraged.”

Adrian Bevan, who lives next-door to the site, got so fed-up he contacted police and MP Jonathan Edwards.

“I have been in touch with the council and they have ignored all my complaints, after exhausting all other avenues I contacted the MP and the police,” he said.

“The police have placed cones along the road, but, while I appreciate their efforts, it is not enough.

“The path needs to go and the workmen need to park on the building site.”

Maesquarre Road resident and community councillor Anne Sizmur described the pavement as “dangerous”.

“Since the pavement has been built workmen park on the road making visibility very difficult,” she said.

“I have nearly been involved in two accidents and it is my belief that something needs to be done to make the road safer for residents and drivers – the situation is just ridiculous.”

MP Jonathan Edwards accused Carmarthenshire County Council of “unnecessary delays” in addressing the residents’ concerns.

“Following my representations to the council some months ago, I have this week made a request that council officers immediately intervene and get to grips with the issues which are now a real headache for residents,” said Mr Edwards.

Carmarthenshire County Council Road traffic manager, John McEvoy, said he was made aware of the issues during a recent site visit and the matter was now under investigation.

“Officers from our traffic management section recently met on site on other matters relating to speeding and parking,” said Mr McEvoy. "During the site visit the matter was raised and is now being investigated.”

A spokesman for developer Enzo Homes said the pavement had been constructed to comply with planning rules and would be completed within two weeks.

“It is unfortunate that residents have to park on the road,” the spokesman said.

“The pathway will be finished with in the next ten to 15 days when the overhead mains cable has been dropped by the electricity company – until that happens there is nothing we can do." He added that site workers have now been instructed to park on site.