Temporary traffic lights causing chaos on a housing estate have been turned off for the "foreseeable future".

The signals were installed last week as part of the £576,000 widening scheme on the Staplehurst Road roundabout opposite Sonora Fields in Sittingbourne.

They were planned to be there for the next 20 weeks of roadworks, which included two standalone night-time closures.

However, it's since been confirmed the lights have been switched off by contractors.

Cllr James Hunt (Con), who represents The Meads on Swale council, said: "I have spoken to contractors of the B2006/Staplehurst Road works.

"The traffic lights are off for the foreseeable future.

"Last week they found ducting that they didn't know was in the ground, so this negates the need to dig up the road, and in turn the need for lights.

"All work will now be done off the highway, and lights only installed if there is a real need.

"There may be some further positive news on the full closure, as this may now not be needed as well.

"However anything can change, but we will hopefully learn more from reports I have requested."

The roadworks, which are being funded by housing developer Redrow, will see a new road layout help manage traffic accessing its new estate, Amber Fields, which is being built off Quinton Road.

Work, which started at the end of January without the temporary lights last week, includes the widening of all four of the existing approaches to the roundabout.

There will also be an upgrade of a signalised pedestrian crossing, provision of a new zebra crossing and installation of a bus shelter.

Cllr Hunt (Con) previously said he fears the temporary lights and eventual closure of the roundabout will be a nightmare for residents.

When they were installed last week one commuter reported being stuck in a big queue on Staplehurst Road just after they'd been turned on.

They said: "After being in that traffic I popped to Archer's Park, another Sittingbourne estate nearby, to drop something off to someone and couldn't get back across the roundabout from Velum Drive onto Sonora as it was coned off.

"I had to go round through Bobbing to get home."