MYSTERY roadwork signs in Cirencester that were put up near St James's Place last month have been stationed there to warn drivers that work on a new development has begun.

In February, road signs appeared in Tetbury Road in the town saying: "Major Works commencing March 2015. Expect delays".

Residents were questioning why the signs appeared and took to social media to find out more. A spokesman from Gloucestershire County Council said the signs did not have enough information.

The Standard has now discovered that the signs have been put up to warn drivers and pedestrians that work on the new St James's Place building is starting, and to expect minor delays with construction vehicles turning into and out of the site on Tetbury Road.

Led by developer City Grove, the new wealth management office - measuring 45,000 square foot - will be based next door to its current company building. Work began on Monday this week and will last for 62 weeks. Archaeological works have only just finished, where workers discovered a 2,000-year-old tombstone under the site.

Chairman of City Grove Toby Baines said there would only be minor road works during the 62 weeks.

"It'll be because of construction and delivery traffic," he said. "We're just making people aware of vehicles coming in delivering steel and Cotswold stone.We have a very considerate contractor who will do all possible to minimise disruption."