The closure of part of a major Merseyside road has been branded a ‘monstrosity’ by drivers.

Roadworks are taking place on the Rock Ferry By-Pass, on the A41, this week however many have questioned the necessity of the work.

Emma Sutton said: “I cannot believe my eyes! I’d noticed the signs saying road closures etc, however I thought oh they must be cutting the grass you know or fixing the lights that aren’t working.

“Oh no, our delightful council have decided to resurface the one road in the Wirral that hasn’t got any potholes and ISN’T damaged at all, in fact probably the smoothest I’ve driven on.”

Ms Sutton added that she was angry at the fact taxpayers’ money was funding roadworks which she called a “monstrosity”.

Cath McKie echoed the concerns and added: “They’re doing it all over the place, it’s getting right on my nerves!”

People suggested that other roads should have been repaired before the Rock Ferry By-Pass including Ellie Sue Carvell, who said: “They need to sort new Chester Road potholes by bargain booze for New Ferry Park, it’s awful.”

Another area of frustration was the reason given for the repair works.

A number of people argued that the road was only being repaired in preparation for the upcoming Tour of Britain, rather than for the benefit of those living in the area.

Kelly Shakeshaft said: “It’s to do with the Tour of Britain, they don’t want any compensation claims if cyclists hit a pothole.”

Neil McDonnell said: “We need a ‘big bike race’ every year if it brings us better roads on the Wirral.”

However Councillor Julie McManus, Wirral Council cabinet member for community services, said: “The works on the A41 represent a £3.4 million comprehensive programme of investment on this key route.

“It will see 9.4km of carriageway resurfaced, 198 streetlights improved, bridge deck waterproofing and jointing carried out and 4.3km of safety fencing replaced.

“Yes, the works will have an impact on residents as the A41 is such an important route for many motorists on their commute and as they travel around the borough.

“The programme has been scheduled to try and minimise inconvenience, however drivers should still allow extra time for any journeys and use the signposted diversion routes where necessary.”

The first stage of the works began on Monday, 2 September and will last until Friday, 6 September.

Part of the works will see a single lane closure, on the A41 Northbound from Bolton Road Roundabout, to enable road crossing works to be carried out.

This closure will be in place between Monday, 2 September until Thursday, 5 September, between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

Wirral Council said that these single lane closures have been scheduled to avoid peak times and to minimise disruption to both residents and commuters.

The council has also said that full closures will only take place during the night, for the purpose of enabling resurfacing works.

The A41 Southbound, from Campbeltown Road Roundabout, was the first of the full closures.

This section of road was closed between 7pm on September 3 and 6am on September 4 and will be closed tonight, for the same period of time  and will re-open at 6am on September 5.

There will also be a full closure of the A41 Northbound, from Bolton Road Roundabout, on Thursday, 5 September and Friday, 6 September between 7pm and 6am.