Find out how this country road near Lutterworth has been turned into a 'huge mudbath'

Dr Chris Dugmore, 65, said residents and motorists had suffered three months of “hell” since major work started on upgrading water mains on Kimcote Road at Walton.

The Midlands water company has now vowed to rebuild the wrecked verge and clean up the whole area after one of the wettest autumns on record.

Dr Dugmore, of Walton, told the Harborough Mail: “We’ve had weeks of mayhem since Severn Trent started this work here in September – it’s been hell.

“One of the main roads out of our lovely little village now looks more like a war scene from the Western Front in 1917.”

The retired community dentist said the utility powerhouse has closed Hall Lane and diverted traffic down Kilworth Road.

“The trouble is it’s a single track road with no passing places.

“They’ve set up temporary traffic lights about 150 yards out of the village,” said Dr Dugmore.

“It’s mad because the road is so narrow there that there’s nowhere for traffic to pass.

“They’ve destroyed the verges – they’ve become just one huge mudbath, a swamp.

“We get six to eight cars lining up on a bend at the lights so you swing round and they’re queueing right in front of you.

“It’s obviously very dangerous.”

The dad-of-three said the lights should have been set up in Walton itself.

“At least drivers would be able to get past each other in the village.

“Deep pools of water have built up on both sides of Kilworth Road,” said Dr Dugmore.

“It’s so muddy and boggy that it’s impossible for small cars to negotiate as well as motorbikers and cyclists.

“The whole sorry mess has been a real pain in the backside.

“I’m also having to drive an extra 100 miles a week to ferry my son to school in Great Glen and back.

“I’ve complained to Severn Trent and requested compensation but got nowhere.

“It’s simply not acceptable.”

A Severn Trent Water spokesman said: “Kilworth Road is part of a county council-approved diversion round our works in Kimcote Road.

“After the condition of the verge deteriorated following the recent heavy rain, the council asked us to put the traffic lights in place, which we were happy to do.”

He admitted: “We recognise this isn’t ideal but it was felt to be the safest workaround. “Once our works have finished in a couple of weeks we’ll be reconstructing the verge and cleaning the road.”