COMMUTERS have been left fuming over roadworks that are causing severe congestion in Johnstone and the surrounding villages.

Property developers Barratt Homes are carrying out work at Deafhillock roundabout, which is set to continue until December 10.

Once complete, the new development – known as Barratt at Weirs Wynd – will offer a mix of three and four-bedroom homes.

However, there is frustration over delays caused by work at the Brookfield site, which includes the tie-in of a trunk water main, installation of street lighting and road resurfacing.

Motorists say the disruption to traffic on the A761 is creating problems for those travelling to and from Johnstone, Brookfield, Linwood and Bridge of Weir.

Allan Henderson, chairman of the Johnstone Business Consortium, said the roadworks are harming his florist business.

He told The Gazette: “For a busy road to be affected like this for eight months is a disgrace.

“Why is it taking so long? They should be working 24/7 to ensure it is done as quickly as possible.”

Local councillor Andy Doig said the situation at Deafhillock is “becoming utterly intolerable.”

He added: “I have asked council officers to examine the Roads Act to see if they can force the developers to institute 24-hour working to get the works complete as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council said: “We appreciate that there is disruption for residents, so we are holding weekly progress meetings with the developer to ensure these works are completed on time, safely and to the correct specification.”

No-one at Barratt Homes was available for comment.