CONTROVERSIAL new traffic lights in Deeside have been installed as part of 'offsite mitigation works for Amazon', the council has said. 

The lights, on the A548 interchange near Deeside Industrial Estate, had been causing considerable levels of congestion. 

Due to the problems, Flintshire Council said on Thursday that the lights have been switched off "until the issues have been resolved". 

The council said the lights have been installed on behalf of Amazon - which has a delivery station close to the new Airfields housing development. 

A spokesperson said: "The works currently on the A548 interchange are part of the offsite mitigation works for Amazon on the Northern Gateway site.

"The mitigation is to install part signalisation of the roundabout which Flintshire County Council are overseeing on behalf of Welsh Government and North Mid Wales Trunk Roads Agency."

The Airfields is an 800-home development which will include a convenience store and medical practice - situated just off the A494 in Deeside.  ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌

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The Welsh Government said the traffic lights have been installed as part of "necessary works" to manage the additional traffic that will be generated by The Airfields site as residential and commercial plots become occupied and operational.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We are aware of congestion in the area and are working with the contractor to resolve.” 

Sealand and Queensferry county councillor, Dale Selvester, said: "I have been receiving countless messages of complaints and social media posts from residents and people from outside the area whose commute has now increased significantly. 

"I am also concerned that this stretch of road (A494) was reduced to 50mph to help with emissions but with the new traffic light system causing lengthy queues and delays we now have more vehicles in the area at one given time causing more pollution."

He added: "Unfortunately myself and fellow ward member councillor Christine Jones received no consultation with regards to the new traffic light system and measures and were therefore unable to provide our views or feedback before the work commenced. 

"We have requested an urgent meeting with the necessary officers."