SIR — As I did not receive any notification, could someone explain to me why from November 25 to 27, the residents of Manor Rad and Staunton Lane in Alcombe were virtual prisoners during the day due to the roadworks undertaken in Church Road, Combeland Road, leading to Ellicombe?

The only vehicular access out was driving the wrong way down Brook Street, which is one way.

When I questioned one of the workman on how I could get out, the answer, with a shrug of the shoulders, was "They won't move for anyone".

I understand that our roads need repairing but surely wouldn't it have been better to do half and half rather than blocking us off completely with no diversion in place and therefore making me drive down a one-way street to get to work?

I do hope that within those three days no-one called the emergency services. I wonder if they would have got a shrug of the shoulders?

J Skilton,

Manor Road,

Alcombe.