Northampton motorists held in town centre gridlock

Changes under way to relieve congestion in Northampton have been blamed for chaos that left hundreds of motorists gridlocked on Saturday.

Traffic ground to a halt when the lights failed near the town's new £7m North Gate Bus Station at the top of the Drapery.

A county council spokesman said several factors contributed to the congestion.

Some motorists said they were blocked in car parks for up to 90 minutes because of of it.

The spokesman said: "We are currently delivering a plan to increase the town's traffic capacity. But unfortunately while that work is happening there will be disruption, especially when other town events are taking place.

The town centre was previously gridlocked in March on the day the North Gate terminus opened. A report found a mini-roundabout was to blame.