DELAYED motorists pelted cigarette stubs, cans and even a bottle of urine at workmen as they carried out essential repairs to a busy Southamp-ton road.

Drivers vented their anger after they were caught in lengthy traffic jams in Millbrook Road West during the afternoon rush hour.

Southern Water bosses say they deplore the drivers' actions, which hampered the emergency repair work on an unsafe manhole cover.

Jon Crooke, Southern Water's director of operations, said: "Roadworkers are always criticised by motorists but we were providing a service to make the road safe for them.

"I'm disgusted at the reaction from those motorists who attacked and swore at the workmen.

"They were undoubtedly frustrated by the delay, and I'm aware that there have been consistent delays in the past due to resurfacing and other work - but they have no excuse for their behaviour."

Two lanes of the eastbound carriageway had to be closed for five hours at the turn-off leading to Paynes Road. During this time two men worked to replace a sunken manhole cover, leaving one lane open.

Trevor Webb, area manager for contractors Holleran, working for the water company, said: "If a motorbike had ridden over the manhole in the condition it was in there could have been a nasty accident. Of course we all sympathise with frustrated motorists caught in a rush hour traffic jam, but we were carrying out essential emergency work which might save lives."

Southern Water had sought permission from Southampton City Council, responsible for the city's roads, to carry out the work from 10am in order to avoid rush hour delays. However, the water company was told to start at 2pm on Thursday because of wide loads travelling to and from Southampton docks preparing for the boat show earlier in the day.

A city council spokesman added that the lunchtime traffic on that stretch of road is heavier than during the afternoon rush hour.

It was also decided that the roadworks were too noisy to be carried out during the night.

The latest repair work comes after a major £1m resurfacing scheme on the westbound carriageway near to the Paynes Road junction.