A council has released a statement on the closure of a road used for controversial bus diversions while emergency repair work takes place.

Residents have expressed their annoyance at the road closure, which began at 9am today and will continue "until further notice".

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Argus it is "frustrating" because they cannot park their car, and their son's bus stops elsewhere.

They added: "The noise from all the work is hard to bear."

The road was previously closed two weeks ago as there was flooding in the carriageway caused by a major leak.

The council has announced that the current closure is related to the leak earlier in the month.  

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A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said:  “Southern Water developed a major leak on Upper North Street a couple of weeks ago.  

“A road closure at the time to enable them to fix the leak was unavoidable. Further work was however required to provide a permanent repair to the road. 

“It became clear yesterday that the damage to the road caused by the Southern Water leak was a lot more serious than expected. 

“We have therefore had no choice but to close the road again to carry out proper repairs. 

“We would emphasise that the water leak has nothing to do with the recent use of the road as a bus diversion from Western Road.  

“Buses are now being diverted via Seven Dials.  

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by the new closure of the road. We are pushing Southern Water to get their water systems and the road repaired as quickly as possible."