A newly rerouted bus lane has been the root of safety concerns as construction work takes place nearby.

Rita Boshell, of Caractacus Green, Watford, is concerned the Charter Place bus route, close to Beechen Grove, is becoming unsafe due to the frequency of construction vehicles driving along it.

Due to improvement works across the town, buses have been diverted to the small road, and with construction vehicles working on the new intu centre extension, there are fears an accident could occur between them.

Ms Boshell said: "It is chaotic down there - there is definitely going to be an accident.

"You can not get a bus that is eight-foot along the road as well as a JCB."

The shopping centre extension at Charter Place, which began construction in 2015, will see the former shopping forecourt transformed and 16 shops, 10 restaurants and a nine-screen IMAX cinema introduced.

Ms Boshell is also worried the road has become inundated with vehicles and could become hazardous for the elderly or those less able to walk.

She added: "The workmen have to come out and could get clipped because a bus is going to come behind them.

"It is really quite dangerous."

Cllr Iain Sharpe, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development said: “The safety of our residents is our number one priority during these works. We would like to assure them that we have considered all possibilities to make access to bus stops safe and easy.

"We are working hard to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum during the improvement works.

"Where buses have been diverted, they are now using the existing bus stops on Beechen Grove, at the back of the Old Market/Charter Place entrance.

"An additional bus stop has also been put in place and provides real time bus information for passengers.

"Signs are also in place to direct passengers and Arriva have had helpful staff on hand for any enquires. We encourage you to report anything to us through our contractors Murrill Construction Ltd. on 07553 353381."