RESIDENTS are angry they were not consulted over the closure of a road linking Monmouth and Rockfield.

The B4347 was closed yesterday for four weeks to through traffic between 9am and 3.30pm for resurfacing work.

People living along the road and in the nearby Rockfield housing estate are being allowed access.

But they say the lack of consultation from Monmouthshire county council caused confusion about the traffic arrangements.

Liz Ellis, of Cornpoppy Avenue, just off the B4347, said: "Various people have heard different things in terms of the kind of access we're allowed. "It shows a lack of consideration on the part of the council - it's just suddenly appeared. There's been no leaflet drop to say what will happen." Community councillor Richard Bond questioned why no discussions took place between residents and council officers in advance.

"They could have spoken to local inhabitants and asked them how the burden could have been eased," said Mr Bond. "But they haven't done that. To just put a notice in the Argus a week beforehand is not good enough. That's not consultation - that's just information.

"It's going to be absolutely horrendous in terms of delays."

Heavy vehicles are being diverted on to the B4374 and the A466.

Councillor Alan Wintle, whose ward covers Drybridge in Monmouth, said: "Letters were delivered to residents in Rockfield Road two weeks ago informing them of the closure of the road.

"We've been waiting for the road to be improved for some time and I look forward to seeing the finished work.

"I thought people would be pleased."

A council spokeswoman said: "Advance warning notices have been put in place and we would advise that the area should be avoided if possible.

"One side of the road will be worked upon at a time to keep a certain level of access, but we would still encourage drivers to avoid the road if possible."

The work is expected to take ten working days but a period of four weeks has been allocated to account for potential delays due to bad weather.

A Royal Mail spokesman said the road closure would not affect mail deliveries in the area.