COMMUTERS face disruption as council workers make a building safe.

A temporary lane closure came into effect at Chester Street in Mold earlier this week, causing heavy rush hour congestion in the town centre.

Flintshire Council says the closure is needed as structural scaffolding has been put up around the building known as the Old Chapel to make it safe.

A council spokesman said: "Traffic can still access the centre of Mold using Chester Street. However, it is not possible to leave the town centre this way and traffic is being diverted to use other routes.

"The temporary lane closure is needed to ensure safe pedestrian access while the scaffolding is in place.

"The council apologises for any inconvenience, but, as there was no other way of erecting the scaffolding, the safety of the public is paramount.

The council will ensure any work needed will be carried out efficiently and effectively and will be completed as quickly as possible."

Dave Hill, town centre manager for Mold, said he understood the nature of the building's problems to be structural, particularly relating to the walls.

He added: "What is clear is that the county council is faced with a difficult situation in that if the building is unsafe they have to take action to avoid potential injury to any passers by. I think the county council are doing what they can.

"Chester Road is one of the main access roads into Mold and as such any disruption will have an impact on the town.

"Having said that we have to recognise that if the building is unsafe works have to be done and there is never a good time to do that.

"The county council has pleasingly put the priority on the traffic coming into the town.

"All the car parks are still available and the exit routes are clearly shown.

"I hope that the works and restrictions to the traffic flow will be completed as soon as possible so trading can get back to normal."