Frustrated drivers have criticised the opening of roadworks in the centre of Mitcham in the same week the streets are swamped with school-run traffic.

The week-long closure of Commonside East for resurfacing by Merton Council is causing lengthy tailbacks - and motorists claim the work should have been done during the six-week school holiday period that finished on Friday.

On Monday one road user said: “At 9.30 this morning, there was still a backlog of traffic. What planning.”

Councillor Andrew Judge, cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, apologised for any delays caused - but claimed the work was being done at off-peak times to accomodate school traffic.

He said: “We need to prioritise our works and, in comparison with works we carried out over the summer, those in Commonside East will have less impact on traffic circulation.”