MARLBOROUGH businesses are celebrating after temporary traffic lights, which it was claimed were killing trade, have been removed during peak times.

Huge tailbacks into Marlborough were caused earlier this week after Wiltshire County Council imposed a four-way traffic management system at the junction of Salisbury Road and London Road - one of the county's busiest junctions.

The measure is being undertaken while a series of pedestrian crossings are built at the intersection but drivers reported queuing for more than an hour to reach the town centre.

It caused a wave of staff absences, late or failed deliveries, missed appointments and a crippling effect on trade as shoppers avoided the town.

The traffic lights, which were switched on at 7.30am and continued through the morning and evening rush hours, were due to have been in place until Friday, March 28, with a four-day respite over Easter.

But Marlborough Chamber of Commerce lobbied Wiltshire County Council to remove the lights during peak hours.

Chamber president Peter Davison said: "There was not one sector of the business community unaffected by the traffic jams. It was killing trade.

"On Wednesday businesses were told the lights would be taken out of operation during peak hours.

"Furthermore, contractors will work until 11pm to ensure minimum disruption to the business community.

"This is a significant victory for the chamber and for the business community and great news for everyone who travels to, from or through Marlborough."