A HAMPSHIRE MP has lashed out at highway chiefs for allowing a “sudden rash” of roadworks in Eastleigh.

The town’s MP Chris Huhne has accused Hampshire County Council of causing “chaos” by failing to stagger the timing of road repairs and gasworks.

And he has warned that the traffic disruption could end up hitting businesses in the pocket.

Council chiefs say they are powerless to refuse permission for works from utility companies and hope all work will be completed by Easter.

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Leigh Road is being resurfaced west of the M3 and nearby Dew Lane has been hit by gas works.

Other works include the narrowing of Passfield Avenue, restricted access to the M27 Eastleigh junction roundabout and night-time closure of the M3 junction 13.

Mr Huhne said: “I am all in favour of road repairs after the ravages of the cold weather, but the sudden rash of road works around Eastleigh is causing chaos and long delays.

“Moreover, I wrote to the county raising the concerns of local residents about the impact of repairs in January, as have a number of Eastleigh councillors, but Winchester have pressed ahead regardless just making the problem worse and worse.”

Councillor Mel Kendal, executive member for Environment at Hampshire County Council, said works were combined to reduce the overall period of disruption.

He said: “I am disappointed that once again Chris Huhne has chosen to single out the county council in his comments.

“If all the works had to be carried out separately, we would be facing disruption for approximately 240 days, and I am sure the people of Eastleigh would rightly be concerned by such extended disruption.”