THE effects of the Cowley Mill Bridge closure have been minimal in Uxbridge thanks to half-term, but drivers are bracing themselves for the return of the school traffic next week.

Swan Bridge on Cowley Mill Road, Cowley, closed for five months on Monday for reconstruction works, and a big build up of traffic was expected in Uxbridge with vehicles taking alternate routes to the trading estate.

Traffic problems were exacerbated on Monday by a set of temporary traffic lights in Rockingham Road adding to the confusion.

Martyn Smith, 53, of Huxley Close, Cowley, and works on the Uxbridge Trading Estate, said: "It seemed absolutely pathetic, how the Council can close off the bridge and start retarmacking the road, when there are already works going on the other end near Iver, it is the worst case I have ever heard.

"It's bad enough having the bridge out but this too, its crazy.

"They are lucky the schools are off this week, because when they are back it will bring traffic to an absolute standstill."

Hillingdon Council confirmed they had been laying new anti-skid surfaces in Rockingham Road but the hold up was only for one day.

Harvinder Ubhi, 53, who works in The News Hut in Rockingham Road, said: "It was very busy along here last night, particularly between six and seven. So many lorries are coming through and using this route."

Lynsay Kilbane, 19, who lives in Pole Hill Road, Hillingdon, and works on the Uxbridge Trading Estate, said: "I was dreading it (the journey into work) but fortunately it wasn't too bad, it might be worse when the schools are back though."