Actor Nick Frost has taken up a new role as the champion of parents struggling against a tide of traffic mayhem and council officialdom.

The Twickenham resident, the star of classics such as Shaun of the Dead and someone who many would like to see as the new Dr Who, has taken up the cudgels against Richmond Borough Council.

He tweeted the Council this week to express his frustration at the start of major works on Strawberry Vale, which clogged the roads just as parents were struggling to get children back to school for the new term.

In a tweet, which suggested a simmering fury, he wrote to the Council saying: "Can I ask… you've decided to start some kind of major roadworks on Strawberry Vale which seems to be effecting the whole area the day all the kids went back?

"Why? You've had months with little or no traffic on the roads. Why start now?"

Some hours later, the Council responded, writing: "Hi Nick, We are very sorry for any disruption these road works may cause. The roadworks have begun today and are due to be completed on Wednesday 15th September."

That failed to satisfy Nick or the many others trapped in their cars with youngsters late for classes. He wrote: "That's great. I appreciate the tweet back but why was the decision taken to start it the day everyone went back?

"Were the council not aware of the absolute MAYHEM it's caused and will continue to cause until the 15th of September."

Another resident joined the debate, tweeting: "I wonder whether causing traffic disruption isn't part of the general anti-car LBR policy. They had 6 weeks of the school holidays to do this work Face with symbols over mouth. Once more ineptitude on display when it comes to dealing with contractors and contracts."

Nick, aged 49, recently shared his joy at becoming a father for the third time on Instagram with a picture showing him taking his newborn home from hospital.

Alongside the Instagram snap, he wrote: "And then there were 3!!!! (Kids that is!) #thrilled #soinlove #grateful #incrediblemumma."

The Council told Nub News that the works are associated with the replacement of streetlights.

A spokesperson said: "The Council is responsible for these works and they are due to be completed on 15 September. We publish details of works on our website, in particular on this map.

"The Council has a large programme of highways improvements across the borough and every effort is made to co-ordinate the programme to minimise the impact on road users, but unfortunately there is always the likelihood that some people's journeys will be delayed while works are carried out."