A SHOP manager says that engineering work outside his store is causing traffic chaos.

Thames Water are currently replacing Victorian water mains on Spital Street in Dartford with new plastic pipes.

Alan Beckham, manager of Mitchell’s Carpets said: “I know this work has to be done, but it’s causing chaos.

“I’ve seen traffic having to mount the pavement to get passed the digger in the road.”

Mr Beckham says that the loading bays outside his shop have been closed while the work is carried out.

The 40-year-old said: “I was told there would be another area where the delivery vans could go to load and unload, but this is half way down the road.”

A spokesperson for Thames Water said: “We are currently working successfully in over 500 sites across the city.

“However, on this occasion we regret that mistakes were made, for which we apologise.”

The company says that it is working hard to ensure that a new area is available for unloading and loading outside the shop.