A gas pipeline company is being told to pay tens of thousands of pounds for causing mayhem on the roads in Carterton.

It is the first case Oxfordshire County Council has brought under new laws targeting utility companies who over-run agreed timetables.

Transco has been accused of bad management in not meeting agreed deadlines for laying new pipes and reinstating key roads in the town centre.

The company has apologised and blamed staffing shortages for the delays.