ROADWORKS in the centre of Farnham have been causing "absolute chaos" to residents and motorists this week, adding an hour on to journey times in some cases. The works, carried out by Southern Electric Power Distribution, will see two km of high voltage cables laid along the entire length of West Street and The Borough. Costing more than £350,000, the work is seen as "necessary" by Southern Electric, which aimss to update the town's supply of power and make it more reliable. However, those using the roads are fed up with the works, with some opting to leave the car at home. Terry Cartwright, a resident of Churt who works in Farnham, was appalled by the traffic situation and called on the council to do something about it. "I come into town two or three times a week and while this has been going on it's been a nightmare," he said. "Something has to be done about it soon because the council just doesn't seem to care." He went on to explain that the town was "gridlocked," and that he didn't see a single worker on the site for most of the morning. "The traffic was backed up all the way from the police station to the road works on West Street. From 10 past nine this morning until 11-20 there hasn't been any workers there at all." A spokesman for Southern Electric denied these accusations, claiming that they "make sure" that temporary traffic lights are operated manually during peak times. She said: "We're making sure that it's all done properly and during exceptionally busy times the lights are operated manually wherever possible." Another resident, who wished to remain nameless, said: "The queues of traffic in the morning have been so bad that I've found it easier to walk into town rather than take a two-mile car journey that could take me half an hour or more. "I've seen cars backed all the way up Firgrove Hill before with the traffic lights on such a bad timer that only one car was being let through at a time." In response to criticism that the work has been going on for longer than originally planned - it should have lasted 12 weeks from June 12 - Southern Electric said it was avoiding the Farnham Carnival. "We actually put our work back to avoid the carnival season because we appreciate how important tourism is to Farnham. We apologise for any disruption or inconvenience this essential work might cause." The company went on to say it will be working in the town for a further two weeks and aims to complete the work over three Sundays. For further information about the work, Southern Electric can be contacted on 01202 784617.