BUS passengers were left stranded when a service had to change its route due to roadworks that overran.

Resurfacing work was due to be carried out along St Martins from December 1 until December 5 between 9.30am and 3.30pm which residents, businesses and agencies, including Thamesdown, had been warned about.

But on the Monday work overran so the road closure had to remain in place for longer.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “It is standard for roadworks to be carried out between specific hours of the day, to avoid clashing with busy commuter periods.

“On one occasion, due to residents not moving their parked cars on time as requested, the works contractor overran the hours assigned in order to keep to the schedule and complete the work.

“However, the contractor did not inform the bus company. We have reminded our contractors that whilst over-running works are unavoidable, it is important that partner agencies are kept informed.”

Because of this the number 48 bus, from Swindon to Marlborough, had to reroute, missing out villages including Axford and Mildenhall.

Paul Jenkins, managing director of Thamesdown, apologised for any inconvenience caused to passengers. He said: “We were not informed of these roadworks in advance by Wiltshire Council. We implemented an emergency diversion via the A4 and provided updates on our website and Twitter.

“Bus stop notifications, which are issued by Wiltshire Council, were put up on the Tuesday.”