ROADWORKS on the B741 are causing chaos for local residents.

The road has been shut for several weekends and is set to remain that way until early December resulting in a 40 mile diversion between New Cumnock and Dalmellington.

Reader Catriona MacDonough contacted us to express her frustration at the closure.

She said: “We have to travel 40 miles because of these roadworks. It is an absolute disgrace, they are not bothering about us.

“They could have used a convoy system or traffic lights but they say they can’t because the machinery is too dangerous. The let us through between 12 and 1pm but that is hardly enough time to do your shopping.

A young mother, who has four children under six, is also furious that the road is being closed completely.

Asking not to be named, the New Cumnock mum said: "What if one of my kids takes ill?

"Or what if an elderly or frail person needs to be taken to hospital.

"They say they will accommodate police, fire and ambulance vehicles - but how long will it take to clear a path and why can't they do the same for local residents?

"Closing a road completely for four weekends is wrong."

The enraged resident also claimed that they were only told about the closure on Thursday - two days notice.

She added: "The last time they did this we fought it and got it changed.

"Have they only given two days notice to prevent people complaining?

"I have neighbours who are elderly, one has severe asthma and another diabetic."

When a section of the same road was closed earlier this year, a resident of The Leggate got caught out when she went shopping.

"The lady thought she would only be away five minutes. When she tried to get home she was literally cut off.

"Her only way home was a 40-mile detour through Dalmellington - a disgrace," our source claimed.

Stewart Turner, head of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance addressed their concerns and said: “Nobody likes roadworks and the inconvenience they cause is regrettable, especially in rural and outlying areas, but the work on the B741 is essential.

“The width of the road makes it a potential safety risk to roadworkers and members of the travelling public if it was to remain open during the proposed roadworks.

“Where possible, the road will be open between noon and 1pm to help mitigate some of the inconvenience.”

Schedule of work and closure times:

Connel Park/Bank Glen, New Cumnock: two weekends, road closed 8am-12pm then 1pm-6pm.

Knockburnie Farm: mone weekend closure, 8am-6pm with no lunchtime opening.

The final Section to Dalmellington will be closed for four weekends, 8am-12pm and 1-6pm

Closures are likely to continue until early December.