HOLLY Holy Day was marred by commuter chaos after a council blunder allowed road works to continue during the annual reenactment of the Battle of Nantwich.

For more than 40 years people have flooded Nantwich to re-enact the bloody battle that marked the end of the long and painful siege of the town.

This year’s event marked the 371st anniversary of the Civil War siege and Battle of Nantwich, but proceedings were disrupted by traffic chaos, which was caused by human error.

A Cheshire East Council spokesman said: “These essential works should have been suspended at the weekend to allow traffic and visitors a smooth journey on a busy day for Nantwich.

“The problem could have been avoided if the Council’s highways team had imposed conditions on Scottish Power when it granted a permit for the works on Millstone Lane.”

The work is part of a £4 million programme to upgrade electricity networks and bring an end to power outages which have been affecting some parts of Nantwich.

Cheshire East Council said the work was scheduled for the weekend to avoid traffic disruption on weekdays, but have now apologised for the error that marred the annual event.

“A senior officer at Cheshire East Highways has apologised personally to the event organisers,” the spokesman said.

“We are sorry that traffic delays were caused and we are taking steps to prevent any recurrence.”

Cllr Brian Silvester, who was recently threatened with legal action by his own council, has again slammed Cheshire East Council for their lack of forward planning.

The UKIP leader for Willaston and Rope ward said: “It beggars belief that this was allowed. Is there no forward planning by the council?

“Holly Holy Day is a major tourist attraction for the town and to undermine the enjoyment of the re-enactment of the Battle of Nantwich in this way is ridiculous.

“Not to mention all that extra business for local traders that was probably lost. I am asking for an assurance that this does not happen again.

“This is like when Cheshire East closed the tennis courts in Nantwich during Wimbledon fortnight last year. No forward thinking.

“Cheshire East don't learn from their mistakes. (And there are a lot of them).”