Roadworks which were predicted to cause "chaos" while the M2 slip road was closed have been delayed after a backlash from motorists.

Kent County Council (KCC) has backtracked on the four-way traffic lights planned for the Staplehurst roundabout, in Sonora Fields near Sittingbourne.

Originally scheduled to last until February next year, Cllr James Hunt raised concerns over the gridlock that would have been caused by KCC's "poor planning".

The Conservative councillor, who represents The Meads, said: "This has been a long-term problem for the people of Sonora Fields.

"When they planned traffic lights for the Staplehurst Road B2006 roundabout it would have undoubtedly caused chaos.

"People from the nearby estates and lorries heading to the industrial estate use that route.

"It was going to be gridlock, especially now that the area is being used as a bit of a rat-run following the closure of the slip road."

Cllr Hunt raised concerns with KCC over the roadworks at this spot while the M2 Junction 5 slip road was closed.

He suggested that, like Medway Council, perhaps KCC should delay non-urgent road works while the motorway route was not accessible.

The roadworks had been planned to help with traffic management which is needed for the new Redrow homes, Amber Fields, which are being built in Quinton Road.

However, in a response to Cllr Hunt, KCC had initially confirmed it would not delay the roadworks despite his concerns.

At the time, Cllr Hunt was told by a spokesman: "I’m afraid on this one I do not agree that delaying works is the appropriate action.

"I believe that the sooner the works are completed to the final state and fully operational, the better it will be for everyone."

But in a new response a spokesman confirmed to KentOnline this was no longer the case.

A different spokesman said: "The Sonora Way works required the use of temporary traffic signals at the roundabout near the A249 at the same time as the National Highways works on the A249/M2 J5.

“We have therefore postponed these works and advised the developer’s contractor, which was understanding of the reasons for this.”

Previously, residents vented their anger on social media.

One person said: "Why now all of a sudden?

"Why can't KCC or whoever use some common sense and sort these issues out before the houses are built?

"They know exactly what houses are being built, the system is all wrong.

"This should be stopped until the A249 M2 slip is fixed.

"Surely there is a way to have this delayed?"