ROADWORKS in Kempsey started early and are not causing long delays says a village councillor who has been checking on progress so far.

Village district councillor David Harrison said the roadworks began early this morning (Tuesday) on the A38 as Severn Trent Water began clearing a blocked sewer pipe.

Post Office Lane was closed and temporary lights installed today while work was underway. The lights have now been taken down after workmen left the site but work is expected to continue tomorrow.

Cllr Harrison said today: "Work started ahead of schedule at 8am this morning. The entrance to Post Office Lane was closed from the A38.

"Official diversions are in place along A38 to Brookend Lane, then Old Roman Road and then to Post Office Lane.

"One of the reasons for starting early is that it is easier and safer to work during daylight hours. It's causing at most a two minute delay."

Severn Trent had said in a previous statement that the work would take place overnight on Tuesday rather than through the day.

It was previously thought the pipe had collapsed but investigations by Severn Trent revealed this was not the case.

Roadworks are also taking place at the Taylor Wimpey site on the A38 as sewage is connected from the development to the mains sewage system.

These works are set to last until January 17.