AN EXTENSIVE series of roadworks in Worcester has stopped for the summer.

Severn Trent Water began work on a £1 million project replacing water pipes in the Arboretum area of the city in August last year.

Since then it has replaced 3.7 km of pipes, with a further 1.3 km to be installed later this year.

Jonathan Tait, who is leading the project, said the work was being put on hold over the summer to avoid disruption to events in the city throughout the summer.

“What we’re doing will benefit Worcester hugely over the long-term,” he said.

“The pipes that were in place had grown old and were often bursting and leaking, so by replacing them, we’ve made our customers’ water supply much more reliable.

“Our thanks go to the local residents, Worcester City Council and businesses – as well as those using the roads in the area – for their patience and cooperation while work has been carried out.

“Although we’re not working on any major traffic routes, we’re installing new water pipes on very narrow residential roads, so we know this can cause disruption.

“The good news for residents is that they’ll now have a break from the work over the summer, until we come back to lay the rest of the pipes in the autumn.”

Although concerns were raised when the work began that it would cause massive parking problems in the Arboretum area – which is often congested with parked cars – a scheme was put in place allowing residents in the area to access closed roads through a special permit system.

Severn Trent has also worked with Worcester City Council to ensure resident’s waste collections went ahead as normal during the road closures.

Sewer or water supply problems can be reported to Severn Trent on 0800 783 4444 or visit www.stwater.co.uk/help.