THERE has been "bedlam" on the main Falmouth to Helston road and surrounding back roads this afternoon.

It was believed to be down to the fact that the other main route in Helston, the B3297 from Redruth, is closed due to roadworks.

Two weeks of works began yesterday and they are due to last a fortnight.

The full road closure kicked in today, in staggered sections of the road.

It is due to be in place between 9.30am and 4.30pm each day, according to Wendron Parish Council, which released further details.

Helston to Wendron is the first section to be closed, today and tomorrow.

Instead a diversion takes cars along a rural road off the main Helston to Falmouth road, which in not passable by two-way traffic in some places. 

As a result, during peak periods such as school collection time, traffic has been at a standstill as vehicles try to get past each other. 

This has had a knock-on effect on the main road, with cars coming from the Helston direction having to queue behind vehicles unable to turn into the junction. 

This afternoon, one driver said: "It's absolute bedlam. Cars are queuing from the Helston direction all the way to goodness knows where.

"I've got about half a mile in 20 minutes. It's more stop than start. People are out of their cars."

The next stage will see the Wendron to Trenear section closed from Friday until Tuesday, January 28.

The closure will be in place between Pencoys and Nine Maidens for two days from Wednesday, January 29, followed by Four Lanes to Redruth from Friday, January 31, to the following Tuesday, February 4.

The closures are to allow patching works to take place on the surface of the road.

Traffic marshals are in position to help road users.

Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles, deliveries and those that live within the closed section.

However, it is proving to be a major headache for those that use the road to get to work each day, access the A30 and parents of pupils at Wendron Primary School and Nine Maidens Academy, with alternative routes especially busy at rush hour and school pick-up times.