Resurfacing roadworks Gloucester Street, Faringdon, held up by Mercedes

Despite signs telling Gloucester Street motorists not to park on the road, a grey Mercedes was left in the area, meaning repair works went on around it.

The temporary road closure – originally anticipated to run from July 15, to last Saturday, July 27 – was still unfinished yesterday after the majority of the work took place last week.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, explained: "I don’t know whether the owner of the car was away, somehow unaware that the works were due to take place, or just chose not to move in time.

"It caused delays in works getting underway on the first evening, and has left the street looking mismatched with one patch of grey in an otherwise smart and tidy looking road."

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Martin Crabtree added: “Car owners assisted us with our request not to park during the roadworks but unfortunately we were not totally successful. This vehicle was unable to be removed, even with police assistance.

"We do not have the powers to physically remove the vehicle. Due to the location of the car resurfacing that particular area is not crucial and, as there would be a cost to calling the work off, we decided to proceed.”