WORKERS resurfacing a stretch of road in Colchester have left two glaring gaps in the new tarmac - thanks to parked cars.

A red hatchback was one of the cars left in Ipswich Road last night when workers closed it off, despite yellow warning signs being displayed along the road for several days.

When the road re-opened this morning a clear message had been left for the cars' owners in the form of several 'no parking' warnings and arrows in white chalk.

Essex Highways has insisted the messages were not written by any of its workers but instead by a member of the public.

A spokesman said: "We clearly signpost in advance when road surfacing works are due to take place and ask for cars not to be parked along the road.

"Although we would never advocate anyone writing on the road, we do share this resident’s frustration and agree with the sentiments they expressed.

"Now that the driver has moved their vehicle we plan to return at the earliest opportunity to complete the works."

The unfinished works are set to be completed on Tuesday night. They have been delayed due to a forecast of rain.